NAPERVILLE, Ill. – After capturing the program's first CCIW Championship a season ago, Carroll University Women's Bowling has been selected as the favorite to win the conference again in the 2026-27 CCIW Preseason Coaches' Poll, the conference announced Thursday.

The Pioneers earned 35 points and five of the seven first-place votes to claim the top spot in the poll, finishing ahead of Marian (32 points) and Augustana (24 points). Carroll received first-place votes from five of the conference's seven head coaches after a historic 2025-26 campaign that established the program among the league's elite.

Last season, the Pioneers put together one of the most successful years in program history, culminating with a CCIW Tournament Championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance. Carroll consistently ranked among the top teams in the Midwest throughout the season and used a balanced lineup to capture its first conference title. With lots of their foundation returning, the Pioneers are poised to make another run. 

The recognition reflects both the success of last year's squad and the expectations surrounding a program that returns key experience while continuing to build momentum under head coach Mason Petrin. Carroll enters the season looking to defend its conference crown and make another postseason push.

The Pioneers will once again face a challenging conference race, with Marian receiving two first-place votes and finishing just three points behind Carroll in the poll. Augustana, Carthage, Aurora, Elmhurst, and Illinois Wesleyan rounded out the preseason rankings.