PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Coming off an NCAA Regional appearance a season ago, the Wichita State softball team was picked to finish second in the 2019 American Athletic Conference Preseason Poll, it was announced Wednesday morning.

Wichita State picked up three first place votes and 43 total points from league coaches, just two points behind USF. The Bulls are the preseason favorites after going 39-23 in 2018 and falling in the American Athletic Conference Championship game to Tulsa.

Wichita State finished tied for third in its inaugural season as members of The American with a 12-9 mark.

The Shockers will look to replace 2018 American Athletic Conference Player of the Year, Mackenzie Wright, who hit .360 with four home runs, 10 doubles, 16 RBI and 39 runs scored. WSU returns a majority of its roster from a season ago, including all-conference selections Laurie Derrico (First Team), Bailey Lange (First Team), Ryleigh Buck (Second Team) and Bailee Nickerson (All-Rookie Team).

WSU opens the 2019 campaign at the Cougar Classic in Charleston, S.C., Feb. 8-10. The Shockers will play Central Michigan, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh twice and College of Charleston at the three-day tournament.

2019 American Athletic Conference Preseason Poll
 

	Team (First Place Votes)	Pts.
1.	USF (4)	45
2.	Wichita State (3)	43
3.	Houston (1)	41
4.	Tulsa	29
5.	UCF	26
6.	ECU	15
7.	Memphis	14
8.	UConn	11