Softball Receiving Votes in Preseason Polls
January 30, 2008 | Softball
Jan. 30, 2008
The University of Louisville softball team is receiving votes in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 and the USA Today/National Fastpitch Coaches Association preseason polls.
Two-time defending national champion Arizona headlines both polls with Arizona State (2/3), Texas A&M (3/2), Alabama (4/4) and Oklahoma (5/5) rounding out the top five. BIG EAST opponent DePaul is No. 8/10 while fellow league member South Florida is also receiving votes along with U of L. Louisville received seven votes in the ESPN.com/USA Softball poll and three votes in the USA Today/NFCA poll.
The Cardinals return 12 letterwinners from last year's 37-25 campaign, including four all-conference team members. Louisville also welcomes seven newcomers - six freshmen and a junior-college transfer - to round out a talented squad that looks to make its fifth consecutive NCAA appearance.
The Cards will open the 2008 season at the Florida State Early Bird Tournament Feb. 8-10. The tournament marks the beginning of a typically tough schedule for Louisville. This season's slate features five teams ranked in the top 20 of the ESPN.com/USA Softball and USA Today/National Fastpitch Coaches Association polls. Also on the schedule are nine 2007 NCAA tournament teams - including Women's College World Series participant (and BIG EAST foe) DePaul.
Louisville will host the 2008 BIG EAST Conference Championship at Ulmer Stadium May 8-10.
