BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The No. 19 LSU softball team was selected to finish second in the Southeastern Conference Western Division Tuesday as chosen by the conference’s coaches in the league’s annual preseason poll.
Points for the poll were awarded on a 1-2-3-4-5 basis for the Eastern Division and on a 1-2-3-4-5-6 basis for the Western Division. Coaches weren’t allowed to vote for their own team.
“We know that we have our work cut out for us, but I believe the 2011 Tigers are up to the challenge,” head coach Yvette Girouard said. “The talent level amongst the SEC continues to get better and better each year. Our players have worked extremely hard during preseason practice, and we’ve got some players that are ready to step into the spotlight.”
The Tigers compiled 19 points, nine points behind division and conference favorite Alabama. Auburn finished third with 33 points followed by Arkansas at 36 points. Rounding out the SEC West was Mississippi State and Ole Miss with 46 and 51 points, respectively.
Tennessee was selected as the frontrunner for the SEC East with 17 points. Georgia was one point behind the Lady Vols, while Florida checked in with 22 points. Kentucky and South Carolina completed the eastern side.
LSU is 17 days away from first pitch and playing host to the Wilson/DeMarini Tiger Classic. Bowling Green, Louisiana Tech and Purdue head to the Capital City as the Tigers open the season at home for the first time since 2008.
LSU earned a runner-up finish at the SEC Tournament en route to a 45-16 finish, its 10th season with at least 45 victories since softball was reinstated in 1997. The Tigers also reeled off a program-best 24-game winning streak and recorded their 12th NCAA Regional appearance in 2010.
Fans can get updated information on the softball team at www.Facebook.com/lsusoftball and on Twitter at Twitter.com/LSU_Softball.
Ticket information for a marquee home schedule that features home series with SEC heavyweights Alabama, Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee is available at www.LSUtix.net.
Conference Champion: Alabama (4), Tennessee (3), Georgia (3) and Florida (1)
Eastern Division:
1. Tennessee (17 points)
2. Georgia (18 points)
3. Florida (22 points)
4. Kentucky (37 points)
5. South Carolina (46 points)
Western Division:
1. Alabama (10 points)
2. LSU (19 points)
3. Auburn (33 points)
4. Arkansas (36 points)
5. Mississippi State (46 points)
6. Ole Miss (51 points)