The NCAA Softball Preseason Rankings were released this week. It is not a surprise that 'Bama is #1. They have a star-studded team and returns Jr. Pitcher Jackie Traina. Now I do not think Jackie is the best overall pitcher in the country; but she has excellent control and gets many batters to swing at outside pitches. Teams will become more patient against her this year.
I will be previewing the Big Ten Season in another post tomorrow. Coach Hutch did a great job recruiting so we will be better than last year.
Here is the Top 5.
1. Alabama
2. Oklahoma
3. California
4. Arizona State
5. Oregon
15. MICHIGAN
No other Big Ten Team cracks the Top 20. It is good to see La-Laf get some love at #11. They played well last year and have many returning players this year.
Another team that is somewhat of a surprise to some is Hofstra at #20. Hofstra came out of no where last year and had some very impressive wins.
It is good to see the girls from Knoxville getting back into the Top 10 @ #6
http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/softball/d1/usa_todaynfca_coaches