IRVINE, Calif.—The University of Hawai'i softball team has been picked to finish third in the 2023 Big West Preseason Coaches' Poll behind Cal State Fullerton and Long Beach State. Sophomore pitcher Brianna Lopez was voted to the inaugural BW Preseason Coaches' Team.
 
The preseason poll was voted on by the conference's head coaches. Hawai'i garnered 59 total points behind defending BW champions Cal State Fullerton who received 80 points and eight first place votes. Long Beach State came in second with 68 points and one first place vote. Cal Poly was chosen to finish sixth, but received the final first place vote.
 
Lopez was the lone Rainbow Wahine representative who earned a spot on the 11-member Preseason Coaches' Team. Lopez made an immediate impact in 2022, finishing her freshman campaign with a 14-8 overall record in 28 appearances. The lefty pitcher finished with a 2.07 ERA in 162.0 innings pitched and 28 appearances with 19 complete games, four solo shutouts and three saves. and an 11-5 conference mark.
 
As a team, Hawai'i returns 15 letterwinners and welcomes in 13 newcomers—including 11 first year players and two transfers. The Rainbow Wahine look to build upon last year's squad which posted a 23-19 overall record while finishing in third place after going 17-10 in the Big West.
 
The 'Bows open the 2023 season hosting the Paradise Classic from Feb. 10-12 at the Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium. Utah Tech (WAC) and St. Mary's (CA) (WCC) will make the trip to start the season in the Islands.