ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Missouri Valley Conference has released the 2023 preseason poll and preseason all-conference team. The Drake Bulldogs were selected to finish seventh with 79 points including one first-place vote.
The Bulldogs were represented by one player on the 2023 Preseason All-MVC team. Senior Emily Valtman garnered all-league recognition in the designated player/utility position. Valtman hit for a .348 average with a 1.027 OPS, 57 hits, and a team-high 12 home runs in a First-Team All-MVC campaign in 20222.
Drake also returns a trio of 2022 MVC second teamers including infielder and All-Defensive Team honoree Addie Lightner, one of the team's top arms and utility player Paige Bedsworth, and senior ouftfielder Delaney Taylor.