{"id":143139,"date":"2026-01-29T21:25:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T21:25:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/143139\/"},"modified":"2026-01-29T21:25:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T21:25:09","slug":"mavericks-tabbed-third-in-wac-preseason-poll-two-earn-all-wac-preseason-honors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/143139\/","title":{"rendered":"Mavericks Tabbed Third in WAC Preseason Poll, Two Earn All-WAC Preseason Honors"},"content":{"rendered":"

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS\u00a0\u2013 The UT Arlington softball team has been picked third in the 2026 WAC Preseason Poll. Highlighting the leadership and talent returning to the program this season, senior Kailee Bautista<\/a> and junior Mia McNulty<\/a> were also named to the Preseason All-WAC Team.<\/p>\n

Last season, the Mavericks recorded a 24-25 overall record and a 10-14 record in conference play. One of their most notable wins as a program came from last season’s game against Baylor in late March (6-2).<\/p>\n

Bautista was a steady force for the Mavericks, starting 47 of 49 games and finishing the season with a .314 batting average and a team-best .962 OPS. Bautista recorded 43 hits, including a team-high 15 doubles, while adding four home runs and 25 RBIs. The Rockwall, Texas native also showed strong plate discipline, drawing 27 walks and posting a .451 on-base percentage, providing consistency and extra-base production through the lineup. She finished last season ranked third in WAC in doubles (22) and doubles per game (.41).

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\nMia McNulty<\/a> emerged as one of UTA’s top offensive contributors last season, appearing in 48 games and posting a .284 batting average with a .940 OPS. The junior powered the Mavericks’ lineup with 11 home runs and 36 RBIs, while leading the team with 80 total bases and a .567 slugging percentage. McNulty added 40 hits on the year, consistently delivering extra-base power and run production from the middle of order. The Laguna Niguel, Calif. Native finished last season ranked third in WAC in home runs with 13.

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\n2026 WAC Softball Preseason Coaches’ Poll

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\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tRank
\n\t\t\tTeam (1st-Place Votes)
\n\t\t\tPoints
\n\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t1.
\n\t\t\tTarleton State (4)
\n\t\t\t32
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\n\t\t\t2.
\n\t\t\tCalifornia Baptist (1)
\n\t\t\t27
\n\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t3.
\n\t\t\tUT Arlington (1)
\n\t\t\t24
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\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t4.
\n\t\t\tUtah Valley (1)
\n\t\t\t23
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\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t5.
\n\t\t\tSouthern Utah
\n\t\t\t19
\n\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t6.
\n\t\t\tAbilene Christian
\n\t\t\t16
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\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t7.
\n\t\t\tUtah Tech
\n\t\t\t6
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\n2026 WAC Preseason Co-Players of the Year
\nArianna Ramirez, Jr., IF, Southern Utah
\nShelby Schultz, So., LHP, Tarleton State
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\n2026 WAC Preseason Pitcher of the Year
\nShelby Schultz, So., Tarleton State
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\n2026 Preseason All-WAC Team
\nAshlee Annett, Sr., 3B, California Baptist
\nMiranda De Nava, So., RHP, California Baptist
\nMatti Severns, Jr., Utl., California Baptist
\nArianna Ramirez, Jr., IF, Southern Utah
\nMichaella Salvatierra, So., OF, Southern Utah
\nShelby Schultz, So., LHP, Tarleton State
\nKailee Bautista<\/a>, Sr., C, UT Arlington
\nMia McNulty<\/a>, Jr., C\/Utl., UT Arlington
\nLB Kahahawai-Kekona, Sr., SS\/OF, Utah Tech
\nKinley Pappas, So., C\/1B, Utah Tech
\nBritney Moreno, Sr., IF, Utah Valley
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#BuckEm<\/p>\n

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