Fayetteville, N.C. - The USA South has released its preseason coaches polls in the sports of baseball and softball. With nine returning starters, Bishop softball was picked to win the East Division, while Wesleyan baseball was tabbed sixth in its respective poll.
NCWC softball, under the direction of 26th-year Head Coach John Brackett, was picked as the favorite in the league's East Division after earning five first place votes and 47 total points. The Bishops finished tied for third in the final USA South regular season standings last spring, going 20-15 overall and 14-6 in conference action. Brackett returns 16 letterwinners from that squad, including nine starters.
Leading the way will be senior Brittany Manning at shortstop and junior Logan Lowery in the circle. Both All-Conference honorees last spring, Manning led the team in nearly every offensive category during the 2016 season, including batting average (.403), runs (26), and homers (6). Lowery tied for the league lead with 10 conference wins on the mound, posting an impressive 1.59 ERA versus league opponents and a 13-5 overall record.
Elsewhere around the league, Ferrum College, the defending USA South Tournament champions, finished second behind the Bishops with 41 points and one first place vote. Piedmont College was tabbed as the favorite in the West Division.
Wesleyan softball opens its 2017 slate on Tuesday, February 21st, versus Viginia Wesleyan at home. First pitch is set for 2:00pm at Edge Field.
In baseball, head coach Charlie Long looks to build on last season's 25-19 record, which included a 13-5 mark in conference play and a tie for second place in the league standings. Entering his 20th season at the helm of the program, Long returns 26 letterwinners from last spring, led by reigning USA South Rookie of the Year Trey Croom.
Overall, the Bishops return six position starters and five pitchers that saw significant action in 2016. Wesleyan's rotation will likely be highlighed by All-Conference hurler T.J. Wilkie and fellow senior Ryan Grant, who combined for ten victories on the hill last season.
Topping the poll was preseason favorite LaGrange College with seven first place votes and 94 total points. The Panthers were followed closely by regular season defending champion Ferrum College with a trio of first place votes and 87 total points.
NCWC baseball kicks off the 2017 spring season on Saturday, February 11th, versus Virginia Wesleyan. The doubleheader is slated for an 11:00am start at Bauer Field and will feature two 7-inning contests.