Feb. 9, 2010

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –
In the annual Southeastern Conference coaches’ preseason poll, South Carolina came in fifth in the rankings of the SEC East despite returning six starters and a majority of the pitching staff.

Alabama, ranked second in the preseason national polls, was chosen by six of the 11 votes among the league’s coaches to win the overall crown and the SEC West, while LSU was five points in back of the Tide for the division’s top spot in the voting. The Western Division rankings have Auburn third, Mississippi State fourth, Mississippi fifth and Arkansas sixth.

Florida, who was a national finalist a year ago, led the SEC East voting, with national semifinalist Georgia a close second. Tennessee is picked third in the East, with Kentucky and South Carolina rounding out the division.

The Gamecocks open the 2010 season at home with the Palmetto State Showdown this weekend. On Friday, South Carolina opens the year against College of Charleston at 5 p.m. at Beckham Field, while Saturday’s contest against Furman is slated for 2 p.m. The Gamecocks close out the weekend with two games on Sunday, squaring off against Winthrop at noon before wrapping up the event with a 4 p.m. showdown versus Charleston Southern.

2010 Preseason SEC Softball Coaches Poll

Conference Champion:

Alabama 6, Florida 3, Georgia 1, LSU 1

Eastern Division

1. Florida (13)
2. Georgia (18)
3. Tennessee (25)
4. Kentucky (34)
5. South Carolina (46)

Western Division
1. Alabama (12)
2. LSU (17)
3. Auburn (33)
4. Mississippi State (39)
5. Mississippi (40)
6. Arkansas (54)