TOWSON, Md. – The Wilkes softball team has been selected third in the Landmark Conference Coaches' Preseason Poll, as announced by the conference Thursday afternoon.

The Colonels earned 49 points in the preseason poll following a 17-15 overall record and a 10-6 mark in conference play, finishing third in the conference at the conclusion of the 2025 season. Jackie Klahold enters her seventh season at the helm in 2026.

Defending champion Moravian University was selected atop the conference standings with 62 points and six first-place votes. Catholic University, last season's runner-up, was picked to finish second with 58 points and three first-place votes, while Wilkes rounded out the top three.

Susquehanna University was selected to finish fourth with 44 points, followed by Drew University in fifth with 33 points. University of Scranton and Juniata College claimed the sixth and seventh spots with 24 and 23 points, respectively.

Rounding out the poll, Lycoming College was picked eighth with 16 points, followed by Elizabethtown College in ninth with 15 points.

The Colonels open their 2026 campaign on Sunday, March 1, traveling to South Carolina to compete in the Fastpitch Dreams Classic. Conference play begins March 21 as they travel to the Blue and Grey Field to take on Moravia, with first pitch set for 1:00 p.m.

2026 Softball Coaches' Preseason Poll
1. Moravian: 62 points (6)
2. Catholic: 58 points (3)
3. Wilkes: 49 points 
4. Susquehanna: 44 points
5. Drew: 33 points
6. Scranton: 24 points
7. Juniata: 23 points
8. Lycoming: 16 points
9. Elizabethtown: 15 points