Saturday, January 19, 2002

Golden Panthers picked to finish third in SBC

lorida International was picked to finish third in the Sun Belt Conference voted by the coaches of the conference with 66 points and two first-place votes. Louisiana-Lafayette was picked to finish first with South Alabama second. Last season the Golden Panthers enjoyed one of their finest in the program's history, advancing to the NCAA Super Regional against Southern California.

The Ragin Cajuns received 73 points and five first-place votes in the 2002 Preseason Baseball Coaches Poll edging out 2001 Sun Belt Conference Tournament Champion South Alabama.

However, this year Head Coach Danny Price will look to replace six everyday starters from last year and all three starting pitchers including All-American Willy Collazo. Leading FIU will be All-American candidate Hector Nunez (.370, 11 home runs and 39 RBI).

FIU opens the season against at home with a two-game series against UCF on February 1 at 7pm and concluding February 2 at 1pm.

For ticket information, please call (877)FIU-GAME.

Rank, Team Points (1st)
1. Louisiana-Lafayette 73 (5)
2. South Alabama 71 (2)
3. Florida International 66 (2)
4. Middle Tennessee 49
5. New Orleans 47
6. Arkansas-Little Rock 28
7. New Mexico State 26
Western Kentucky 26
9. Arkansas State 19