Jan. 20, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – South Carolina is predicted to finish fourth in the Eastern Division in the Southeastern Conference’s 2009 preseason coaches poll, the league office announced today.

The Gamecocks return six starters from the 2008 squad that ranked fourth in the SEC East a year ago. Included in that bunch is senior Ashton Payne, who earned recognition on the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA)/Louisville Slugger All-South Region second team and on the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America second team. Other starters returning include catcher P.J. Fulmer, infielders Jill Semento and Lindsay Walker and outfielders Laura Mendes and Adele Voigt.

Florida was a unanimous choice to win the SEC East and was the pick for overall champion. Alabama was chosen by all as the favorite in the SEC West and received the other vote to win the league’s overall crown. In the East, Tennessee was picked second, followed by Georgia, South Carolina and Kentucky. LSU was picked second in the West, with Mississippi State ranking third. Auburn came in fourth ahead of Arkansas and Mississippi.

Florida also earned the No. 1 ranking in the NFCA’s preseason coaches poll released today.

South Carolina opens the season on Feb. 7 at home with a doubleheader against the College of Charleston.

Southeastern Conference Preseason Softball Coaches Poll

Conference Champion: Florida (10), Alabama (1)

Eastern Division
1. Florida (10)
2. Tennessee (19)
3. Georgia (30)
4. South Carolina (36)
5. Kentucky (45)

Western Division
1. Alabama (10)
2. LSU (21)
3. Mississippi State (30)
4. Auburn (35)
5. Arkansas (49)
6. Mississippi (50)