After winning the Horizon League regular season championship the Youngstown State softball team was picked second in the conference preseason poll.

The Penguins garnered five first-place votes, the most of any school, and finished with 81 points. Youngstown State ran away with the league title last season after posting a 28-8 record and a 36-15 overall mark.

Oakland, who was picked as the preseason favorite garnered 82 points and two first place votes.

2022  #HLSB Preseason Poll
Pl.        Team – Pts. (First-place votes)
1.         Oakland – 82 (2)
2.         Youngstown State – 81 (5)
3.         UIC – 74 (2)
4.         RMU – 62
5.         Green Bay – 49
6.         Northern Kentucky – 39
7.         IUPUI – 32
8.         Detroit Mercy – 29
9.         Cleveland State – 25
10.        Purdue Fort Wayne – 22