Pocatello, Idaho - The Big Sky Conference office announced the results of its 2024 Preseason Coaches' Poll, with the Bengals tabbed as the favorites.
The preseason poll was voted on by the league's six head coaches, who could not vote for their own team.
Defending regular-season champion Idaho State garnered three first-place votes and 23 points, while conference tournament champion Northern Colorado earned two first-place votes and 22 points in Wednesday's poll.
Sacramento State, who earned a share of the regular-season title last season, received the final first-place vote, to collect 17 points and rank third in the poll.
The Bengals finished the 2023 season with an overall record of 20-28 and a conference play record of 9-5, which helped lead them to the 2023 regular season title. The 2023 championship marked the Bengals' first regular-season title since 2015.
The Bengals open the season February 8 at San Diego
2024 Big Sky Softball Coaches' Poll Results
1: Idaho State (3) – 23
2: Northern Colorado (2) – 22
3: Sacramento State (1) – 17
4: Portland State – 14
5: Weber State – 9
6: Montana – 5
