With the new season set to begin in just a few short weeks, three seems to be the magic number for Shorter softball. The Hawks, which finished 2015 as the third-ranked team in NCAA DII, were chosen to finish third in the Gulf South Conference standings by the GSC head coaches, and placed three members to the preseason All-GSC team.

Like last season, Shorter received the third pick in the GSC standings by the conference's head coaches, finishing behind Valdosta State and Alabama Huntsville, respectively. The Hawks garnered three first place votes, one second place nod, five third place picks, and one vote for fourth place for 86 total points – six points behind the first place Blazers.

Finishing out the rankings were North Alabama, Lee, Delta State, Union, West Alabama, West Florida, West Georgia and Christian Brothers.

Alabama Huntsville placed the most members to the preseason All-GSC team with four players receiving the honor; while Shorter and Valdosta State each placed three to the list. The Hawks were represented by 2015's GSC Freshman of the Year and 1st Team All-conference honoree, Niki Cook, 2nd Team All-GSC member, Kendall Johnson, and a preseason favorite from a year ago, Ericka Bynum.

Cook enters her sophomore season looking to keep the momentum going from last year. In her first year as a Hawk, Cook proved she was tough to catch as she turned in a league leading 59 stolen bases in 61 attempts. The feat also garnered the outfielder national recognition as she received the NFCA's Golden Shoe Award for Division II. Cook finished the year leading the team with a .389 batting average, posting a team high 72 hits, and scoring 66 runs.

Johnson, the Hawks only senior, started every game at shortstop for Shorter last year; hitting .370 with 67 hits – 25 for extra bases – 10 homeruns and a team high 56 RBI. She also turned in a career high 27 stolen bases in 28 attempts.

Bynum, who received preseason All-GSC honors a year ago, repeats the recognition in 2016. Last year, she appeared all but one game for the Hawks, hitting .328 with 61 hits, six homeruns and 54 RBI.

Shorter opens the year on January 30 when they host Gadsden State for a preseason scrimmage at Alto Park. The regular season kicks off the following weekend, February 5-7, when the Hawks travel to Clearwater, Fla. to take part in the annual Eckerd College Softball Invitational. Shorter will open play against Palm Beach Atlantic at 4:30pm on February 5.