Georgia Softball Picked to Finish Second in SEC, Four Bulldogs Tabbed Preseason All-SEC

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The University of Georgia softball team has been picked to finish second in the Southeastern Conference in 2024, picking up six first-place votes from the league’s head coaches. Additionally, Jayda Kearney, Sydney Kuma, Sara Mosley, and Shelby Walters were tabbed Preseason All-SEC.

The Bulldogs garnered 136 total points in the coaches’ poll, second only to preseason favorite Tennessee who totaled six first-place votes and 137 points in the poll. LSU, Arkansas, and Auburn round out the top five. Points were compiled on a descending basis. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team.

Georgia’s second-place pick is the highest since the Bulldogs were tabbed second prior to the 2019 season.

The preseason All-SEC Team was also selected by a vote of the head coaches. Ten schools were represented on the team, with Tennessee leading the way with five selections. Georgia and LSU both had four, and Auburn, Florida, Kentucky and Missouri each had two. The Preseason All-SEC Softball Team consists of a minimum of 21 players and no ties are broken.

Georgia returns all position players from last season’s Super Regional team including All-Americans Kearney, Kuma, and Mosley. The trio combined for 45 percent of Georgia run production and accounted for 52 percent of Georgia’s home runs. Each hit over .340 and slugged north of .700.

All six 2023 All-SEC Team performers return including right-handed pitchers Walters and Madison Kerpics. The pair combined for 37 wins in the circle and 243 strikeouts.

The Bulldogs concluded the 2023 season in the Super Regional round at third-seeded Florida State. Georgia finished second in the SEC with a 16-7 record, the most wins and highest conference finish since 2018. Overall, the Bulldogs accumulated a 42-15 record in Baldwin’s second season at the helm.

The 2024 season begins Feb. 9 at home when Georgia hosts the Red & Black Showcase presented by T-Mobile. Murray State, South Dakota, and Purdue will travel to Athens to open the season.

Admission to every regular-season home game is free, no tickets are required for entry to Jack Turner Stadium. Seating is first come, first served. Gates open one hour prior to first pitch or one hour before the first game of the day for home tournaments.