Feb. 2, 2010

CLEVELAND - The Mid-American Conference released the results of the preseason softball coaches' poll Tuesday. The Miami RedHawks were picked as the favorites to win both the MAC East Division as well as repeat as the MAC Tournament champions.

The RedHawks return 13 letterwinners from the 2009 team that was 33-24 overall, 13-9 in the Mid-American Conference and won the MAC Tournament Championship, as well as the first NCAA Tournament game in school history. Leading the way is the MAC Tournament MVP, sophomore pitcher Jessica Simpson. She is coming off a season where she was 24-12 with a 2.17 ERA. The 24 wins was the second-most single season in school history. The RedHawks also boast a deep and versatile offense led by senior shortstop Sarah Billstrom and senior outfielder Alicia Hogl. Billstrom hit .331 in 2009, with seven home runs and 31 RBI. Despite missing half of the season due to injury, Hogl returned to hit .321 with four home runs and 17 RBI in 31 games last season.

Kent State, which is the defending East Division champion, was picked to finish second behind Miami. Ball State, the defending West Division and regular season champion, was picked to repeat as the West Division winner.

Miami begins play Feb. 12-14 when it travels to Murfreesboro, Tenn. to participate in the Middle Tennessee Invitational. The action starts with two games on Feb. 12. The RedHawks will open at 1 p.m. against Tennessee Tech, and follow it up with a 5 p.m. match against the host Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders.

2010 MAC Softball Coaches' Poll

East Division
1. Miami
2. Kent State
3. Ohio
4. Akron
5. Buffalo
6. Bowling Green

West Division
1. Ball State
2. Western Michigan
3. Northern Illinois
4. Central Michigan
5. Eastern Michigan
6. Toledo