GREENVILLE, S.C. – After a runner-up finish in the Conference Carolinas East Division during the 2025 season, the UNC Pembroke softball team looks to use the momentum and build on that success as the Braves were picked to finish second with the release of the Conference Carolinas Preseason Coaches Poll, league officials announced Friday. 

The Braves collected 184 votes and one first place vote to finish in second place, behind three-time Conference Carolinas Champion Francis Marion who tallied 225 total points and 15 first-place votes. King rounded out the top three with 178 total points. 

Points were awarded on a 15-14-13-12-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale and coaches are not permitted to vote for their own teams. 

The Braves are set to host the UNCP Invitational beginning Jan. 30 at Willoughby Softball Field. The Black & Gold will play Kutztown on Jan. 30 at 10 a.m.

Place	Team	Total (First Place Votes)
1	Francis Marion	225 (15)
2	UNC Pembroke	184 (1)
3	King	178
4	North Greenville	174
5	Southern Wesleyan	171
6	Mount Olive	157
7	Young Harris	143
8	Barton	127
9	Chowan	119
10	Emmanuel	115
11	Converse	96
12	Belmont Abbey	67
13	Shorter	58
14	Erskine	47
15	Lees-McRae	35
16	Ferrum	24