By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer
TAMPA – The Big East coaches have chosen USF as the league's preseason favorite.
The Bulls earned the top spot in the Big East Softball Preseason Poll with seven first-place votes and 134 points in rankings that were compiled by the league’s 13 head coaches. Notre Dame debuted in the poll’s second spot with 129 points while Louisville, DePaul and Syracuse rounded out the top five.
USF finished 50-12 and 17-5 in the Big East last season that included the program’s first-ever trip to the Women’s College World Series. Shortstop Kourtney Salvarola, first baseman Stephanie Medina and ace Sara Nevins each earned All-Big East honors and each return for the Bulls’ 2013 run.
The Bulls’ season begins Friday, Feb. 8 with 2:30 p.m. game against Marshall at USF softball season. Purchase season tickets HERE.
2013 BIG EAST Softball Preseason Poll
|
|
Points |
2012 Record (BIG EAST) |
|
1. USF (7) |
134 |
50-12 (17-5) |
|
2. Notre Dame (1) |
129 |
40-16 (16-3) |
|
3. Louisville (4) |
128 |
55-5 (20-2) |
|
4. DePaul (1) |
117 |
36-22 (14-8) |
|
5. Syracuse |
96 |
43-16 (17-5) |
|
6. Rutgers |
87 |
26-28 (9-13) |
|
7. Pittsburgh |
71 |
26-26 (8-14) |
|
8. St. John’s |
70 |
23-34 (10-12) |
|
9. Connecticut |
65 |
21-27 (9-13) |
|
10. Providence |
42 |
17-36 (7-14) |
|
11. Villanova |
30 |
32-24 (6-16) |
|
12. Seton Hall |
24 |
21-32 (3-19) |
|
13. Georgetown |
21 |
19-32 (3-15) |
