SHSU Picked Third in Southland Preseason Poll
1/21/2015 3:58:00 PM | Softball
With three starters returning who have combined for 72 home runs the past three years, the Sam Houston State softball team has been picked to finish third in this year's Southland Conference race.
According to the poll of the league's head coaches, two-time defending Southland post-season tournament champion Northwestern State is the league favorite in 2015. McNeese State, last year's regular season titlist, has been voted to finish as runner-up.
Designated player Hillary Adams, infielder Sarah Allison and catcher Tiffany Castillo have made the long ball a Bearkat offensive weapon for head coach Bob Brock in recent seasons.
Last year, the trio combined for 28 home runs and 96 runs batted in. Adams stands as Sam Houston's all-time home run hitter with 31 in her career. Allison is third all-time with 22 homers and Castillo stands five with 19 in her career.
Northwestern State returns 13 letter winners, including five starters and four pitchers. The McNeese Cowgirlsreturn 14 letter winners, including six starters and three pitchers. Four all-conference selections from last year return for the Cowgirls, including 2014 Southland Pitcher of the Year and two-time all-conference selection Jamie Allred, outfielders Lauren Langner and Marisa Taunton and pitcher Rachel Smith
Sam Houston finished third in the Southland last season. The Kats return 13 letter winners. Pitchers Haley Baros and Meme Quinn combined to start 29 games last spring for the SHSU women.
Closing out the head coaches' poll were Stephen F. Austin in fourth followed by Central Arkansas, Abilene Christian, Lamar, Houston Baptist, A&M-Corpus Christi, Southeastern Louisiana, Nicholls and Incarnate Word.
Sam Houston opens its 2015 schedule on Friday, March 6, with play at the Texas State Bobcat Invitational tournament in San Marcos.
2015 Preseason Southland Softball Head Coaches' Poll
|
Coaches' Poll |
|
|
1. Northwestern State (6) |
116 |
|
2. McNeese State (5) |
114 |
|
3. Sam Houston State |
97 |
|
4. Stephen F. Austin (1) |
90 |
|
5. Central Arkansas |
82 |
|
6. Abilene Christian |
65 |
|
7. Lamar |
58 |
|
8. Houston Baptist |
52 |
|
9. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi |
43 |
|
10. Southeastern Louisiana |
39 |
|
11. Nicholls |
24 |
