NEW YORK - Butler landed in the sixth spot in the 2025 BIG EAST Softball Preseason Coaches' Poll, which was announced by the league office on Friday (Jan. 17).
 
The Villanova Wildcats were voted preseason favorites behind six first place votes and a league-best 61 points. UConn followed with 57 points, appearing first on two ballots. St. John's (46) ranked third, and Creighton (43), who garnered the final first-place vote, ranked fourth. Seton Hall (39) landed in the fifth spot and was followed by Butler (28).
 
The Bulldogs finished the 2024 conference slate at 11-13, earning the sixth seed in the BIG EAST Tournament. Head Coach Scott Hall is entering his 15^th season at the helm of the program and will see starters return in every defensive position for the 2025 season.
 
Butler's first pitch will occur on February 7 at the DePaul Dome Tournament in Rosemont, Illinois, as the Bulldogs face five teams over the three-day event. The program's first home contest is scheduled for March 5 vs Indiana State, and DePaul visits the Butler softball field for a BIG EAST opening series from March 7-9.
 
2025 BIG EAST Softball Preseason Coaches' Poll
(1^st place votes)
Villanova 61 (6)
UConn 57 (2)
St. John's 46
Creighton 43 (1)
Seton Hall 39
Butler 28
Providence 27
DePaul 14
Georgetown 9