GRINNELL, Iowa – The Illinois College softball team has been picked to finish second in the 2026 Midwest Conference Softball Preseason Poll, it was announced by the league today.
Lake Forest is projected to win its third consecutive Midwest Conference softball title.
The Foresters picked up 62 points and six first-place votes to take the top spot in the poll. IC earned 58 points overall and three first-place votes to come in second. The Lady Blues return 2025 Pitcher and Newcomer of the Year
Jordan Closs, in addition to the league's Coaching Staff of the Year led by
Samantha Mendez.
Grinnell, who advanced to the MWC Tournament Final, received 46 points to place third in the poll. Lawrence – who qualified for the MWC Tournament for the first time since 2015 – took fourth with 40 points.
The poll closed out with Cornell (38 points), Ripon (30 points), Beloit (21 points), Monmouth (21 points) and Knox (8 points).
Illinois College opens up the 2026 season on Saturday, February 14 with a doubleheader at WashU. MWC play kicks off on Friday, April 3 with six of the nine teams in action.
The 2026 MWC Softball Tournament is scheduled for Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9. This season-ending event will feature the league's top four teams from the final standings, competing for the tournament title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
2026 MWC Softball Preseason Coaches' Poll Results
1. Lake Forest College (6 first-place votes) - 62 points
2. Illinois College (3) - 58 points
3. Grinnell College - 46 points
4. Lawrence University - 40 points
5. Cornell College - 38 points
6. Ripon College - 30 points
T7. Beloit College - 21 points
T7. Monmouth College - 21 points
9. Knox College - 8 points
