Williston picked to repeat as WDA softball champion

 BISMARCK  –  The 15th season of WDA-sponsored softball will begin later this week and defending conference and Division A state champion Williston tops the preseason poll among WDA coaches.
The Coyotes received 10 first place votes and 100 points to earn the top spot unanimously. Perennial powers Dickinson and Bismarck High were second and third, respectively, in voting. The Mavericks earned 90 points while BHS tallied 82 points and received the other first place vote. 
Jamestown was fourth with 69 points followed by Bismarck Legacy in fifth with 59. Rounding out the poll was Minot North in sixth; Mandan in seventh; Bismarck Century in eighth; Minot High in ninth; TMCHS Belcourt in 10th and Watford City in 11th.
Coaches did not vote for their own team in the poll. Teams received 10 points for a first place vote; 9 for second; 8 for third; 7 for fourth; 6 for fifth; 5 for sixth; 4 for seventh; 3 for eighth; 2 for ninth; and 1 for 10th place. The poll was conduced by Matt Mullally, WDA SID.
The season begins for several teams later this week, weather permitting. The WDA Tournament will be hosted by Williston, May 21-23 with Minot Public Schools hosting the Class A Tournament, May 28-30.

2026 WDA Preseason Poll
1. Williston (10), 100 points
2. Dickinson, 90
3. Bismarck High (1), 82
4. Jamestown, 69
5. Bismarck Legacy, 59
6. Minot North. 52
7. Mandan, 48
8. Bismarck Century, 40
9. Minot High, 36
10. TMCHS Belcourt, 17
11. Watford City, 12
First place votes in parenthesis

Photo: Williston Softball