Jan. 27, 2010

2010 Softball Preseason Poll (PDF)

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Wright State softball team has been picked third in the Horizon League’s Preseason Coaches Poll, announced Wednesday (January 27) by the league office. The Green and Gold will return all nine of their position starters and their top pitcher from a season ago as they head into their first year under first year head coach Linda Garza.

The Raiders were tabbed third in the preseason coaches poll with 46 points and one first place vote. WSU placed third behind preseason favorite Cleveland State with seven first place votes and 63 total points and UIC who received one first place vote and 57 points. Butler and Loyola tied for fourth place with 38 points apiece. Valparaiso (37 Points), Green Bay (22 Points), Youngstown State (15 Points) and Detroit (8 Points) round out the preseason poll.

“We return a wealth of talent and experience this season and our goal is to compete for the Horizon League championship,” said head coach Linda Garza. “I know the Horizon League is a competitive league and we need to be at our best during the league schedule to make this happen. I am excited to get things started and am encouraged by what I have seen in practice so far.”

Wright State will return 14 players from the 2009 squad and add a quartet of newcomers to the mix as they look to return to the NCAA Tournament. Sharon Palma will return to lead the pitching staff with her 37 career wins, ranking third on the career wins list. Palma also ranks among the school leaders in strikeouts, earned run average, shutouts and innings pitched.

The offense returns nearly 90-percent of the production from a season ago, including top hitter Louie Haney, who batted .394 last season, and four players who produced 30+ RBI’s last season. Mollie Berry, Bri Birl, Kristen Bradshaw, Jamie Perkins and Justine Shilt all batted over .300 last season with at least 40 starts for each.

The Green and Gold will open their season on Saturday, February 13 at the Kennesaw State Classic with games versus the host Owls and South Dakota State. Games Start at 12:30 in Woodstock, Ga. And complete results can be found at WSURaiders.com following each contest.

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