SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Ind. – The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College softball team has been picked to finish fifth in the 2026 River States Conference (RSC) Softball Preseason Coaches' Poll, released Thursday by the league office.

Led by second-year head coach Gina Furrey-Buhse, the Pomeroys earned 48 total points in the voting, placing them solidly in the middle of a competitive conference field. Defending champion Rio Grande topped the poll with 76 points and five first-place votes, followed by Oakland City (71 points, three first-place votes), IU Southeast (64 points), and Shawnee State (60 points, two first-place votes).

Furrey-Buhse's squad returns several key contributors from last season's roster and welcomes a group of talented newcomers eager to make their mark. Among the returning leaders is standout Hannah Boardman, who will anchor the lineup and provide veteran leadership for the young Pomeroy roster. With a mix of power, speed, and defensive versatility, Boardman is expected to play a central role in SMWC's pursuit of postseason success.

The Pomeroys will open their 2026 season with a challenging southern road trip, beginning Friday, February 20, with a doubleheader at Blue Mountain University (Miss.) at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. (CT) in Blue Mountain, Mississippi. The team continues the trip the following day, Saturday, February 21, with a doubleheader at Freed-Hardeman University (Tenn.) in Henderson, Tennessee.

The complete RSC Preseason Poll is as follows:

1. Rio Grande – 76 points (5 first-place votes)
2. Oakland City – 71 points (3 first-place votes)
3. IU Southeast – 64 points
4. Shawnee State – 60 points (2 first-place votes)
5. St. Mary-of-the-Woods – 48 points
6. IU Columbus – 46 points
7. Kentucky Christian – 29 points
8. Midway – 28 points
9. Brescia – 15 points
10. WVU Tech – 13 points

The Pomeroys will look to build early momentum during their February road trip before opening River States Conference play in March.