Three Named Preseason All-Conference; Nunn Earns Preseason Pitcher of the Year
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Ahead of opening weekend for the 2022 campaign, Conference USA has announced its Preseason Coaches Poll, All-Conference team and superlatives. The Hilltoppers were predicted to finish third in the 12-team league while Maddie Bowlds, Taylor Davis and Shelby Nunn were all named to the Preseason All-Conference squad. Additionally, Nunn was tabbed the program’s second-ever Preseason Pitcher of the Year – first in the C-USA era.
“We are excited to kick off our season with the opportunity to play quality opponents,” opened head coach Amy Tudor. “I am proud of the hard work these three have put in to gain recognition from the league and I know they are looking forward to going to battle with their teammates.”
Voted by the league’s head coaches, Charlotte and North Texas were predicted to finish ahead of the Hilltoppers while UAB and Marshall rounded out the top five. Middle Tennessee, Louisiana Tech and FIU were voted to round out the postseason field and Southern Miss, UTSA, UTEP and Florida Atlantic were slotted in spots 9-12.
Nunn was one of three pitchers on the preseason team, Bowlds was one of six infielders and Davis was one of four outfielders. Last postseason, Nunn and Bowlds were both named Second Team All-Conference. The honor marks the first of any All-Conference award for Davis.
PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
- Charlotte
- North Texas
- WKU
- UAB
- Marshall
- Middle Tennessee
- LA Tech
- FIU
- Southern Miss
- UTSA
- UTEP
- Florida Atlantic
Preseason Pitcher of the Year: Shelby Nunn, WKU
Preseason Player of the Year: Bailey Vannoy, Charlotte
Preseason All-Conference Team: 2C, 5IF, 4OF, 3P, 1DP/UP (15 Total*)
C: Sierra Frazier, UAB
C: Bailey Vannoy, Charlotte
IF: Aly Harrell, Marshall
IF: Tata Davis, Southern Miss
IF: Cori Henderson, Charlotte
IF: Tayla Evans, North Texas
IF: Maddie Bowlds, WKU
IF: Kourtny Gremillion, Charlotte*
OF: Destini Brown, Southern Miss
OF: Mya Stevenson, Marshall
OF: Taylor Davis, WKU
OF: Kelci Hill, Middle Tennessee
P: Janie Worthington, North Texas
P: Corrina Dodd, Middle Tennessee
P: Shelby Nunn, WKU
DP/UP: Saige Pye, Marshall
*Sixth infielder due to voting tie
