LOCK HAVEN, Pa. — The IUP softball team enters the 2026 season with heightened expectations after being picked second in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West Division preseason poll, as voted on by the league's coaches.

The Crimson Hawks received three first-place votes, finishing one vote behind defending PSAC West champion Slippery Rock, which earned four first-place votes.

IUP finished as the No. 4 seed in the PSAC Tournament last season and posted a 15-13 record in conference play, finishing 26-20 overall. Head coach Shawna Bellaud enters her eighth season leading the Crimson Hawks and has recorded 137 wins during her tenure.

The Crimson Hawks will be led in the circle by pitcher Kendall Young, who made 27 appearances last season, including 25 starts. Young finished 16-7 with a 3.30 ERA over 152 2/3 innings and recorded 105 strikeouts.

Senior infielder Maddie Griffin anchors the lineup after starting 45 games last season. Griffin batted .401 with 63 hits and drove in 18 runs. She also stole 17 bases and was caught just twice.

IUP opens its season Feb. 20 at an indoor tournament in Triadelphia, W.Va., against West Liberty.

2026 PSAC Softball Preseason Poll
(First-place votes in parentheses)

Eastern Division

1. East Stroudsburg (6)

2. Shippensburg (2)

3. Shepherd (1)

4. Kutztown

5. West Chester

6. Bloomsburg

7. Millersville

8. Lock Haven

9. Mansfield

Western Division

1. Slippery Rock (4)

2. IUP (3)

3. Gannon (1)

4. Seton Hill

5. California (Pa.)

6. Clarion

7. Pitt-Johnstown

8. Edinboro