Aggies tabbed sixth in LSC North preseason softball poll

RICHARDSON, Texas (Jan. 19) - Despite earning its first-ever trip to the Lone Star Conference postseason tournament with a second-place finish in the LSC North Division last season, Cameron enters the 2004 season as an underdog to repeat that performance.

Coach Gladys Crawford's Aggies have been picked sixth in this year's LSC North preseason poll, conducted among the division's head coaches, sports information directors and media representatives. Cameron received two second-place votes in the poll, but finished with just 43 total points. Southeastern Oklahoma, winners of each of the past seven LSC North regular season titles, is again tabbed as the divisional favorite. The Lady Savages picked up 13 of a possible 16 first-place votes to easily outdistance second-place Central Oklahoma, which received two first-place votes.

Northeastern State was third with 68 points, followed by Southwestern Oklahoma at 57, first-year program Midwestern State with 52, Cameron with 43 and East Central with 39.

Midwestern State pitcher Brittany Wilson was the voters’ choice as LSC North Division Preseason Player of the Year. While the MSU program is entering its first season of competition, Wilson already has made a name for herself in the league. The sophomore from Burkburnett, Texas, earned first team All-LSC South Division and Freshman of the Year honors in 2002 after compiling a 25-8 record and 1.50 earned run average while playing for Texas Woman’s University.

In the South Division, defending champion Angelo State is favored to win another title. The Rambelles received 11 of 17 first-place votes to top Tarleton State in South preseason balloting.

Cameron finished the 2003 season with an overall record of 22-20-2, including 12-6-1 in LSC North play. Five Aggie players earned postseason recognition, including first team all-region selection Karren Hatch, while Crawford earned LSC North Coach of the Year honors. Cameron scheduled to open the 2004 softball campaign on Feb. 10, hosting Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College.

To view the complete LSC Softball preseason polls, log on to the official conference website at www.lonestarconference.org.