RICHARDSON, Texas – With the release of the 2026 Lone Star Conference softball preseason poll, Eastern New Mexico has been chosen to finish seventh, receiving 537 points.
 
"The Lone Star Conference is one of the toughest conferences in collegiate softball, and ranked 7^th in the preseason polls in such a competitive field speaks volumes of the strides that this program has made over the years," states head coach Amanda Fefel. "At the same time, it reminds us of the work we still have to do every day to compete at a high level and earn our spot once the season begins because we know nothing is given in the LSC and anyone can beat anyone."

Sophomore returner Christina Meneses earned preseason player-to-watch after making All-LSC Second Team and LSC All-Freshman Team in her first collegiate season. Meneses finished the 2025 season with a .358 batting average and a 1.000 fielding percentage, making her a valuable all-around player for the Greyhounds.
 
Another key returner, sophomore Miranda Guillen, was named preseason pitcher-to-watch. Guillen compiled a record of 15-5 with 132 total strikeouts in the 2025 season and is also a valuable asset to the Hounds.
 
Eastern New Mexico ended the regular season with a 30-25 record, along with a 23-21 conference standing, earning the 6th seed in the LSC Tournament before falling to Angelo State 5-1 in the first round.
 
Two-time defending national champion UT Tyler was picked to win the conference earning 849 total points which included 39 first-place votes. West Texas A&M came in second with 817 total points and eight first-place votes while Angelo State finished off the top three with 753 total points and two first-place votes.
 
Eastern begins its season with first pitch happening Jan. 30 at the Lone Star D2 College Classic in Mansfield, Texas, where it will face Minnesota Duluth for its first game at 9 a.m. MT / 10 a.m. CT.