Longwood University Athletics

FAMRVILLE, Va. – With the softball season rapidly approaching it's that time of year again for Big South announcement of preseason polls. None other than the reigning Pitcher of the Year, Sydney Backstrom, was voted amongst the Big South to do it again.

Backstrom wrote her name in the Longwood record book several times last season, becoming the fourth Longwood softball player to win one of the Big South's major awards. She stands alongside two-time winner Elizabeth 'Biz' McCarthy (2015, 2016), and Big South Players of the Year Megan Baltzell (2014, 2015) and Brook Short (2013), who teamed up to win three consecutive Big South Player of the Year honors from 2013-15.

Backstrom earned the 2021 Pitcher of the Year award in the league, after leading the conference in wins, opponent batting average, innings, complete games, and shutouts. She also made history when she threw the first perfect game in Longwood history in the Big South win against Presbyterian on April 17. That was one of Backstrom's five shutouts, and the second time in her career pitching a no-hitter.

Longwood was picked third in the Big South preseason standings after earnings its eighth consecutive top-three Big South finish. Last season Longwood's season was cut short in an upset victory by Radford in the Big South Tournament.

New year, means new beginnings, and the Lancers are ready with a wealth of returners coming back to claim what they aim for each season.
 
Preseason Player of the Year – Bri Bryant, Campbell
Preseason Pitcher of the Year – Sydney Backstrom, Longwood
 
2022 Big South Softball Preseason Poll:

1. Campbell (94)
2. USC Upstate (90)
3. Longwood (81)
4. Winthrop (65)
5. Radford (54)
6. Presbyterian College (52)
7. Charleston Southern (41)
8. Hampton (26)
9. Gardner-Webb (24)
10. North Carolina A&T (23)

#HorsePower