St. Thomas Picked to Win Softball Title in 2012
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The Sun Conference released the 2012 Preseason Coaches' Poll voted on by the conference coaches, and St. Thomas has been selected as the favorite for the upcoming season.
The Bobcats, 2011 regular season co-champions with a 12-3 record, won the conference tournament with an 8-7 victory over Warner in the championship game. STU went 0-3 at the NAIA National Championships, but will look to return to the national tournament in 2012.
St. Thomas received 39 total points and four first-place votes in the poll. Following STU is their 2011 co-champions Warner with 35 points in total and the remaining two first-place votes.
The Royals, who had four All-Conference selections in 2011, as well as The Sun Conference Coach of the Year, Shawn Gary. Warner went 30-16 overall last season.
SCAD Savannah received 29 points in the poll to come in third. The Bees boasted the most All-Conference players with seven, including Player of the Year, Jessaca Spears, Pitcher of the Year Lisa Williams and Champion of Character, Jackie Rooney. SCAD was 10-5 in league play last season and 32-11 overall.
Webber International (21 points), South Carolina-Beaufort (18 points) and Northwood (16 points) conclude the poll.