CORVALLIS, Ore. - The Cascade Collegiate Conference unveiled its 2024 Softball Preseason Poll on Tuesday, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. Eastern Oregon Softball secured the fourth position with a significant 65 points.

Oregon Tech, having claimed the top spot for three consecutive years, leads the poll, closely followed by Southern Oregon University and College of Idaho. Eastern Oregon University is positioned to be a strong contender, challenging the top ranked teams for their standing within the conference. 

Nicole Christian gears up for her fourth season as Eastern Oregon's Mountaineer Softball head coach in 2024. Under her guidance and competing in the nation's toughest conference last season, the Mountaineers maintained a national ranking, finished with a commendable 33-19 record, and secured a fourth place finish at the CCC tournament.

While the team faces the departure of key starters like Kaylin Winans, Karsyn Zaragoza, Hannah Ebner, and Caitlin Crist, they return all-conference leaders Maddy Stateler, Kaylie Hoskins, and Hannah Tyree.

The Mountaineers will start the season off on the road on Feb. 3 when they take on Simpson University in Redding, Calif.