LATHAM, N.Y. - The Gallaudet University softball team was picked T-11th in the 2026 United East preseason coaches poll released on Wednesday.

Gallaudet posted a 5-29 overall record last season and went 2-14 in conference play.

Penn State Berks was picked as the top team as the Nittany Lions garnered five first-place votes. Penn State Brandywine checks in at No. 2 in the poll as the Nittanay Lions received six first-place votes. Penn State Harrisburg was tabbed No. 3 in the preseason poll. Penn College of Technology is fourth in the poll with the two first-place votes and Wilson College rounds out the Top 5. 

The 2026 United East softball championship will consist of 10 teams in the postseason. The first round will be held on April 29 as each first round game will be an elimination contest with the winner advancing.  A best-of-3 series will then take place with the higher seed hosting on each matchup.  

The four victors of the best-of-3 round will advance to a four-team double elimination tournament that will begin on Friday, May 8 to determine the United East Champion.

The Bison will open the season at home with a non-conference doubleheader game against Wilson College on Friday, Feb. 27.

2026 United East Softball Preseason Poll
1. Penn St. Berks (5)
2. Penn St. Brandywine (6)
3. Penn St. Harrisburg
4. Penn College (2)
5. Wilson
6. Penn St. Abington
7. Cedar Crest
8. Lancaster Bible
9. Notre Dame (Md.)
10. Keystone
T-11. GALLAUDET
T-11. Cairn
13. Valley Forge

( ) = First-place votes

Also see:

• United East release