Softball Ranks Second in MVC Preseason Poll

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont University Softball Program heads into their third season in the Missouri Valley Conference. As the season approaches, the conference office released the 2025 Preseason Poll Tuesday afternoon where the Bruins ranked second. 
 
Head Coach Laura Matthews said, "We're excited for this season, and we have a really fun journey in front of us. Our challenging nonconference schedule will help us prepare for what lies ahead in the MVC."
 
Belmont finished the 2024 season with a 16-11 conference record before heading into the MVC Championship as the no. 3 seed. The Bruins ultimately fell in the quarterfinals to no. 6 Missouri State. The Bruins look to improve on last season as they return their core lineup while adding impact newcomers.
 
The Bruins return all four All-MVC honorees from last season. Nicole Hughes and Maya Johnson were tabbed First Team All-Conference while Brenna Blume was named Second Team and Baie Ensio All-Defensive. 
 
Johnson represents Belmont on the 2025 Preseason All-MVC Team. The pitcher finished last season with an impressive 16-5 record tallying 216 strikeouts for a 1.49 ERA. Johnson recorded a season-high 14 strikeouts against conference foe Drake (5/3) and compiled 10 plus strikeouts in 11 games.
 
The Bruins open the 2025 campaign this weekend in the Buzz Classic hosted by Georgia Tech. Belmont will begin the weekend in a matchup against Western Kentucky on Friday at 10 a.m. CT. 
 
Follow Belmont softball on social media - @BelmontSoftball on Twitter, @belmontsoftball on Instagram and Belmont Bruins Softball on Facebook - for complete coverage of the Bruins. Stay up to date with all of Belmont's athletic programs via the official app of the Belmont Bruins, available both in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.