AMERICUS, Ga. -- The Georgia Southwestern State University softball team is picked to finish third out of nine teams in the Peach Belt Conference in 2024 according to the preseason coaches poll released by the league on Thursday. 

GSW finished 2023 with a record of 39-17 overall and 19-8 in the Peach Belt. The Lady Hurricanes were 22-1 at home. GSW returns 17 players from last year's squad that finished third in the PBC standings, highlighted by NCAA Division II Player of the Year Zoe Willis. In addition, GSW returns all-conference selections Lacey Rutledge (infielder), Izzy Marcotte (infielder) and Savana Bradford (pitcher).

The Lady Hurricanes open their 2024 campaign at the Embry-Riddle Classic on Friday, Feb. 2 in Daytona Beach, Fla.