WASHINGTON - The University of Dayton softball team has been selected to finish second in the 2026 Atlantic 10 Conference Preseason Poll, as voted on by the league's head coaches. The Flyers earned 68 points and two first-place votes after capturing back-to-back A-10 Regular Season Championships in 2024 and 2025.

Fordham topped the poll with 75 points and five first-place votes, while Saint Louis followed closely behind Dayton with 62 points and two first-place votes.  

Dayton returns a strong core from last year's squad that finished 30-18 overall and 17-5 in conference play. Leading the way are two First Team All-Conference selections in infielder Kirnan Bailey and pitcher Izzy Kemp.
 
Bailey, the 2024 A-10 Rookie of the Year, continues to be a dynamic presence both offensively and defensively. She ranked 25th nationally last season with 0.23 sacrifice bunts per game and recorded 81 assists in the field, showcasing her consistency and versatility. 

Kemp anchors the Flyers' pitching staff after making 20 starts a year ago. She averaged 9.4 strikeouts per outing while posting an impressive 2.09 ERA, establishing herself as one of the conference's premier arms. 

The 2026 Atlantic 10 Softball Championship is set for May 6-9 at the Billiken Sports Center in St. Louis.

2026 Atlantic 10 Softball Preseason Poll

1. Fordham (5) – 75
2. Dayton (2) – 68
3. Saint Louis (2) - 62
4. Saint Joseph's – 50
5. George Washington – 44
6. Loyola Chicago – 38
7. George Mason – 34
8. Rhode Island – 20
9. St. Bonaventure – 14