Softball | 1/23/2026 11:00:00 AM
January 23, 2026 – The MIAA released the 2026 Baseball Preseason Poll and Hornet softball is slated eighth by the coaches.
Emporia State went 31-23 overall and 10-14 in the MIAA last season, earning the eighth seed in their fourth consecutive trip to the MIAA Tournament. The Hornets return seven hitters that recorded more than 100 at-bats, including all four players that hit above .300.
Sydney Wagner and
Taryn Burkhardt lead the notable returners as Wagner hit .367 to lead the Hornets, which was a top-15 mark in the MIAA. Burkhardt hit .304 and made her biggest impact felt on the base paths, as she tallied 40 stolen bases.
The Hornets will open their season at the Lone Star Classic in Mansfield, Texas on Friday, January as they take on Lewis in their first of six games on the weekend.
2026 MIAA SOFTBALL PRESEASON RANKINGS
1. Pittsburg State [10] –
141 points
2. Central Oklahoma [1] –
125 points
3. Missouri Southern [1] –
116 points
4. Rogers State [1] –
111 points
5. Central Missouri –
101 points
6. Washburn –
96 points
7. Missouri Western –
84 points
8. Emporia State – 65 points
9. Northwest Missouri –
49 points
10. Fort Hays State –
45 points
11. Nebraska Kearney –
43 points
12. Northeastern State –
26 points
13. Newman –
12 points
[#] - First Place Votes
