BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The No. 22 LSU softball team was tabbed to finish second in the Southeastern Conference Western Division Monday as chosen by the conference 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.
The Tigers collected 19 points, nine points behind four-time defending division champion Alabama. Auburn was chosen to finish third with 28 points followed by Mississippi State at 40 points. Rounding out the SEC West was Arkansas and Ole Miss with 46 and 54 points, respectively.
Florida was selected as not only the frontrunner for the SEC East but the overall crown. The Gators tallied six overall championship votes and 14 points, one point and one vote ahead of Tennessee. Predicted to finish third was Kentucky, who checked in 32 points. Georgia totaled 35 points, while South Carolina garnered 48 points to complete the eastern side.
LSU is 11 days away from opening the 2012 campaign and playing host to the Tiger Classic. The Tigers usher in the next chapter of their storied history under first-year coach Beth Torina on February 10 versus Penn State. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m. from Tiger Park. LSU also has match-ups slated against No. 15 Michigan and Louisiana Tech on opening weekend.
Fans can follow LSU softball using social media at www.Facebook.com/lsusoftball and @lsu_softball on Twitter. Season tickets can be purchased for $75 at www.LSUtix.net for an impressive home schedule that features 2011 NCAA Tournament participants Florida State, Georgia Tech, Michigan and Penn State along with electrifying SEC series versus Arkansas, Auburn, No. 10 Georgia, Mississippi State and Ole Miss.