NFCA Release
STARKVILLE, Miss. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) released the 2012 Preseason Poll Wednesday, and the Angelo State softball team is ranked No. 16.
“It's an honor to be recognized in the preseason poll,” said Angelo State head coach
Travis Scott. “Preseason rankings are difficult to judge, but we have a good group of returners coming back, and I know we're excited to start playing.”
The Rambelles return eight starters to a team that finished as LSC South Champions and was one win shy of earning a trip to the NCAA Super Regionals a year ago. Among those returning are All-American catcher
Kacie Easley and senior pitcher
Claire Molina.
After a first team All-American performance in 2010, Easley continued to shine in her sophomore season. The Temple native was near the top in all offensive categories for the Belles, including batting average (.315), slugging percentage (.494), on-base percentage (.411), RBIs (40), doubles (12) and home runs (6) last year.
Molina paced the Rambelles in the circle, recording 23 wins and just eight losses as a junior. The San Bernardino, Calif., product fanned 149 batters and tossed 13 complete games with a 2.60 earned run average. Molina was tabbed LSC Pitcher of the Week twice and was named to the All-LSC first team.
Angelo State opens the 2012 season Feb. 2, against Rollins at 5 p.m. in the St. Mary's Tournament. The 10th-ranked Tars also earned a spot on the NFCA Preseason Poll after winning the Sunshine State Conference in 2011 and favored to repeat.
“We're excited to play, but certainly have a tough season opener against Rollins,” Scott said. “They return a great pitcher and will be a tough opening test.”
The Tars are led by first team All-American pitcher Hope Bitzer. Bitzer was 18-1 last season with a 0.61 ERA, which led Division II. Rollins is coached by reigning SSC Coach of the Year Michelle Frew.
This will be the first meeting between the two programs.
Heavy rain is forecasted for the San Antonio area and game times in the St. Mary's Tournament are subject to change.
|
Rank |
Team |
Final 2011
Record |
Totals |
Final 2011 Poll |
|
1 |
UC San Diego (16) |
45-13 |
400 |
1 |
|
2 |
Alabama-Huntsville |
48-6-1 |
382 |
2 |
|
3 |
North Georgia |
53-12 |
366 |
4 |
|
4 |
Saginaw Valley |
42-18 |
313 |
6 |
|
5 |
West Texas A&M |
50-17 |
303 |
8 |
|
6 |
Valdosta St. |
41-11 |
282 |
12 |
|
7 |
Indiana (PA) |
38-8 |
267 |
7 |
|
8 |
Augustana (SD) |
50-11 |
262 |
13 |
|
9 |
Lenoir-Rhyne |
45-10 |
255 |
10 |
|
10 |
C.W. Post |
41-16 |
234 |
9 |
|
11 |
Rollins |
45-4 |
223 |
16 |
|
12 |
Ark.-Monticello |
46-16 |
190 |
24 |
|
13 |
Minn. St. Mankato |
54-16 |
186 |
5 |
|
14 |
Bloomsburg |
33-9 |
181 |
11 |
|
15 |
Cal State Chico |
31-19 |
161 |
RV |
|
16 |
Angelo St. |
45-14 |
159 |
21 |
|
17 |
Hawai'i Pacific |
38-12 |
148 |
19 |
|
18 |
Grand Valley St. |
41-16 |
146 |
18 |
|
19 |
Tampa |
39-9 |
128 |
23 |
|
20 |
Midwestern St. |
54-14 |
124 |
3 |
|
21 |
Armstrong Atlantic |
31-14 |
80 |
NR |
|
22 |
West Va. Wesleyan |
48-8 |
74 |
20 |
|
23 |
Mo. Western St. |
40-15 |
60 |
RV |
|
24 |
Colorado Mines |
36-24 |
58 |
NR |
|
25 |
Merrimack |
31-23 |
52 |
25 |
