PRINCETON, N.J. – Columbia was named the preseason favorite in the 2022 Ivy League Preseason Softball Poll, which was voted on by sports information directors from around the league and a media member that covers each school.

The Lions, led by eighth year head coach Jen Teague, garnered 113 points in the preseason poll and had five first-place votes. This is the second consecutive season that Columbia has earned the title of Ivy League preseason favorite. Columbia enters the season seeking its first-ever Ivy League championship. 
 
Only nine points separate the first and third ranked teams. Penn ranked second with 105 points, and three first-place votes. Harvard placed third with 104 points, though the Crimson collected the most first-place votes with seven. 
 
Princeton, which had one first-place vote, took fourth in the poll with 77 points. Dartmouth and Yale were tied for fifth place with 59 points. Cornell (36 points) and Brown (23 points) rounded out the poll. 
 
Opening day for all eight teams is Friday, Feb. 25. The opening weekend of games features two contests against teams that are either ranked or receiving votes in the USA Today/NFCA Coaches Poll. Columbia will be put to the test right away as it takes on No. 19 Kentucky in its season opener. On Saturday, Feb. 25 Princeton will face Notre Dame, which is receiving votes in the national poll. 
 
2022 Ivy League Softball Preseason Poll (First Place Votes)
1. Columbia – 113 (5)
2. Penn – 105 (3)
3. Harvard – 104 (7)
4. Princeton – 77 (1)
5. Dartmouth – 59
    Yale – 59
7. Cornell – 36
8. Brown – 23