Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003

FIU picked second in Sun Belt Conference preseason coaches' poll

he Florida International softball team was picked to finish second in the 2003 Sun Belt Conference Coaches Preseason Poll as announced by the league office today. Three-time defending champion Louisiana-Lafayette was unanimously chosen to win the conference title.

FIU return nine student-athletes from last year's 39-34 team that finished tied for second place with an 8-8 mark in SBC play. First baseman Jennifer Owens and pitcher Amanda Nealer - second-team all-conference selections in 2002 - are expected to lead the Golden Panthers again in 2003.

FIU opens the 2003 campaign next weekend when it hosts Illinois State, Georgia and Kentucky in the Sun & Fun Classic, Jan. 31-Feb. 2.

2003 Sun Belt Conference Softball Preseason Poll
as voted by the coaches of the Sun Belt Conference

Rank Team, Points (1st)
1. Louisiana-Lafayette, 25 (5)
2. Florida International, 17
3. Western Kentucky, 15
4. Middle Tennessee, 13
5. New Mexico State, 5