University of Tennessee Athletics
Lady Vols Picked Second in SEC by League’s Coaches
January 26, 2023 | Softball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – On Thursday afternoon the Southeastern Conference released the 2023 SEC Softball Preseason Coaches' Poll, and Tennessee was picked to finish second by the league's coaches. The Lady Vols received 126 points in the poll – including three first-place votes – and have been predicted to finish top four in the conference in each of the last six seasons.
It is the first time since 2020 that UT has been selected to place second.
Florida was named as the preseason favorite with 134 points and five first-place votes – followed by UT – with Arkansas third at 122 points and five first-place votes. Alabama picked up 118 votes for fourth, while LSU garnered 87 votes to round out the top five.
Tennessee posted its 19th consecutive full season with 40-plus wins a year ago, finishing 41-18 overall and 15-8 in conference play. UT made a second straight run to the SEC Tournament semifinals in 2022 – marking the 17th trip to the semifinals of the league tournament in program history.
The Lady Vols return 11 players from last year's squad, including All-Americans Kiki Milloy and Ashley Rogers who were both named to USA Softball's 2023 Top 50 Watch List for Collegiate National Player of the Year.
Returning to the diamond alongside the talented duo is Lair Beautae, McKenna Gibson, Zaida Puni and Rylie West. In 2022, the foursome combined for 114 runs, 38 home runs and 140 runs batted in.
UT welcomes 13 newcomers to the team in 2023, featuring transfers Mackenzie Donihoo, Payton Gottchall and Giulia Koutsoyanopulos out of Oklahoma, Bowling Green and Arizona, respectively. D1Softball and Extra Inning Softball have both ranked Gottshall among their Top 100 players entering the season.
Tennessee's 10 freshmen made up a signing class that was ranked seventh in the nation in the fall of 2021.
Tennessee opens the 2023 season in Clearwater, Florida, February 10 with a doubleheader against Howard and Illinois at the NFCA Leadoff Classic. The Lady Vols' home opener is slated for March 3 as they play host to the Tennessee Classic at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.
Season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AllVols.com.
It is the first time since 2020 that UT has been selected to place second.
Florida was named as the preseason favorite with 134 points and five first-place votes – followed by UT – with Arkansas third at 122 points and five first-place votes. Alabama picked up 118 votes for fourth, while LSU garnered 87 votes to round out the top five.
Tennessee posted its 19th consecutive full season with 40-plus wins a year ago, finishing 41-18 overall and 15-8 in conference play. UT made a second straight run to the SEC Tournament semifinals in 2022 – marking the 17th trip to the semifinals of the league tournament in program history.
The Lady Vols return 11 players from last year's squad, including All-Americans Kiki Milloy and Ashley Rogers who were both named to USA Softball's 2023 Top 50 Watch List for Collegiate National Player of the Year.
Returning to the diamond alongside the talented duo is Lair Beautae, McKenna Gibson, Zaida Puni and Rylie West. In 2022, the foursome combined for 114 runs, 38 home runs and 140 runs batted in.
UT welcomes 13 newcomers to the team in 2023, featuring transfers Mackenzie Donihoo, Payton Gottchall and Giulia Koutsoyanopulos out of Oklahoma, Bowling Green and Arizona, respectively. D1Softball and Extra Inning Softball have both ranked Gottshall among their Top 100 players entering the season.
Tennessee's 10 freshmen made up a signing class that was ranked seventh in the nation in the fall of 2021.
Tennessee opens the 2023 season in Clearwater, Florida, February 10 with a doubleheader against Howard and Illinois at the NFCA Leadoff Classic. The Lady Vols' home opener is slated for March 3 as they play host to the Tennessee Classic at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.
Season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AllVols.com.
Players Mentioned
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