Wichita State is the favorite in what Missouri Valley Conference softball coaches see as a close race.
The Shockers received three first-place votes and 84 points in voting by coaches. Second-place Missouri State earned four first-place votes and 76 points, followed by Northern Iowa with one first-place vote and 74 points. Indiana State, which won the MVC Tournament in 2015, also received a first-place vote. Defending champion Drake is fourth with 72 points.
WSU first baseman Cacy Williams, outfielder Brittany Fortner and third baseman Mackenzie Wright were named to the preaseason All-MVC team. The Shockers went 34-23 last season, 16-11 in the MVC to finish fourth.