WISE - - The South Atlantic Conference announced its 2020 Preseason Softball Poll Wednesday with Lincoln Memorial University receiving 10 first place votes en route to being tabbed the league's preseason favorite. UVA Wise was selected 12th in the poll, the Cavaliers will be playing their inaugural season in the conference in the spring.

Carson-Newman received one first place vote and was picked second, Anderson, chosen third received the other first place vote.

A year ago, the SAC was one of the more balanced leagues in all of NCAA Division II. LMU took home the regular season title with a 12-8 conference record as every school went 8-12 or better against league competition.

Co-Head Coaches Nick and Karen Bitter's UVA Wise squad returns five seniors, including starting shortstop Nikki Smith along with starting first baseman Julia Hoy, right-handed pitcher Rachel Lapallo, outfielder Taylor Woodlief and catcher Melissa Bartley.

The Cavaliers also return juniors Kaylee Jones and Alexis Miles. The duo has combined to blast 33 homeruns over the last two seasons while knocking in 108 runs.

UVA Wise begins the 2020 season next Saturday at Virginia State University. The Cavs open league play at home on Feb. 25 against Tusculum University.  The complete 2020 Preseason Poll may be found below: