Softball picked fourth in annual preseason SLC poll
2/9/2010 7:24:00 AM | Softball
The Bobcats received 99 points and nine first-place votes in both the coaches' poll. Texas State returns 11 letterwinners, six starters and two pitchers, including pitcher of the year Chandler Hall, from a Bobcat squad that claimed its second consecutive regular-season title, its first Southland tournament crown since 2001 and its first 40-win season since 2003.
Sam Houston returns two All-Southland Conference players in senior pitcher/designated hitter Morgan Mikulin and shortstop Hailey Wiginton. The Bearkats upset two seeded teams to reach the semi-finals of last year's Southland post-season tournament after placing sixth in the regular season.
The Kats also return several other veteran players including first baseman Amy Brown who is the all-time leader in put-outs and fielding average for Sam Houston State. The Bearkats also will feature several impact freshmen who head coach Bob Brock believes will contribute greatly to the team's success.
"We had several newcomers who performed well during our fall work," Brock said. "We're excited about getting this season started."
Stephen F. Austin was picked second in the coaches' poll. UTSA was picked third, followed by Sam Houston State, McNeese State, UT Arlington, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Nicholls and Central Arkansas.
Sam Houston State begins its season with an appearance at the University of Houston tournament beginning this Friday and running through Sunday. The Bearkats will open their 2010 home schedule on Wednesday, Feb. 17, when they play host to Texas A&M at 4 p.m. at the Bearkat Softball Complex
The 2010 softball season will climax with theannual Southland Conference tournament will be played May 13-15 at Bobcat Field in San Marcos, Texas.
2010 Southland Preseason Softball Head Coaches' Poll
| TEAM | VOTES |
|
Texas State |
99 (9) |
|
Stephen F. Austin |
91 (1) |
|
UTSA |
68 |
|
Sam Houston State |
64 |
|
McNeese State |
63 (1) |
|
UT Arlington |
52 |
|
A&M-Corpus Christi |
51 |
|
Nicholls |
43 |
|
Central Arkansas |
32 |
|
Southeastern Louisiana |
19 |
|
Northwestern State |
14 |
