Jan. 14, 2004

Oklahoma City, Okla. –
USA Softball, in conjunction with ESPN.com, released their 2004 Pre-season Top 25 Collegiate Softball Poll Wednesday. While the Gamecocks were not among those listed in the top 25, the team received the most votes of any school not appearing.

The Gamecocks will have several opportunities to move into the poll as nine of USC’s 2004 opponents are currently ranked, including four in the top 10.

Carolina will face No. 4 Oklahoma and No. 20 Florida State at the Sunshine Tournament Feb. 13-15, followed by No. 3 Arizona and No. 21 Fresno State at the Leadoff Classic in Columbus, Ga. Feb. 27-29.

In SEC action, USC will only host No. 10 Georgia and will face No. 6 Alabama, No. 15 LSU and No. 25 Tennessee on the road.

The National Fastpitch Coaches Association poll is due out on January 28.

The Gamecocks will begin their season on Feb. 7 at Charlotte.