BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Christian Brothers University softball team had junior transfer Mackenzie Bakel and freshman Emily Schooler named to the 2023 Gulf South Conference Top Newcomers list, and was picked to finish 12th in the Preseason Coaches Poll.

Bakel transfered to CBU following a decorated career at Western Nebraska Community College, where she was an All-Region selection and a Third Team Academic All-American. The Thornton, Colo., native finished her career as a .337 hitter with 18 doubles, a triple and 32 RBIs in 91 career games. 

Bakel prepped at Horizon High School, where she was a two-time team captain and a four year starter. 

Schooler played at George Rogers Clark High School, where she had over 1,000 career strikeouts. The Winchester, Ky., native was a three time All-District 40 selection, and a two-time All-Tournament Team selection. Schooler was also a standout off the field, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA. 

CBU returns five of its top seven hitters and three pitchers from a team that set the program record for most league wins in a season (10).

The Lady Bucs are scheduled to open their season on Friday, Feb. 3 when they travel to Arkadelphia, Ark., for the McGhee-Hawkins Invitational. 

2023 GSC Softball Preseason Coaches' Poll
First-place votes ( )
1. Auburn Montgomery (9) – 137 pts
2. Valdosta State (2) – 131
3. Alabama Huntsville (2) – 125
4. West Florida – 113
5. Lee – 92
6. West Alabama – 90
7. Montevallo – 79
8. Mississippi College – 66
9. Union – 54
10. West Georgia – 42
11. Delta State – 39
12. Christian Brothers – 32
13. Shorter – 14