ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Missouri Valley Conference has released the 2023 preseason poll and preseason all-conference team. The Drake Bulldogs were selected to finish seventh with 79 points including one first-place vote.
 
The Bulldogs were represented by one player on the 2023 Preseason All-MVC team. Senior Emily Valtman garnered all-league recognition in the designated player/utility position. Valtman hit for a .348 average with a 1.027 OPS, 57 hits, and a team-high 12 home runs in a First-Team All-MVC campaign in 20222.
 
Drake also returns a trio of 2022 MVC second teamers including infielder and All-Defensive Team honoree Addie Lightner, one of the team's top arms and utility player Paige Bedsworth, and senior ouftfielder Delaney Taylor.
 
Northern Iowa was chosen to finish atop the league standings after a record-breaking 2022 season. The Panthers earned nine first-place votes and return a plethora of All-MVC performers.
 
MVC newcomers Murray State and UIC each earned one first-place vote and were slated in second place and 11th place, respectively. Southern Illinois rounded out the top three with 103 total points.
 
Drake will kick off the 2023 season at the UNI Dome Tournament in Cedar Falls, Iowa from Feb. 10-12. The Bulldogs will open the invitational with a bout against Iowa State on Friday, Feb. 10.