University of Houston Athletics
Softball Ranks No. 1 on C-USA Preseason Coaches' Poll
1/14/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Jan. 14, 2009
HOUSTON--The University of Houston softball team tops the Conference USA preseason poll voted by the league's head coaches. Houston received seven first-place votes.
Senior shortstop, Jessica Valis, is predicted as C-USA Player of the Year, while Tulsa's Jordan Kinard is predicted to take the C-USA Pitcher of the Year crown.
Last season, Jessica Valis led the conference in batting average (.431) and hits (88). She was second in stolen bases (20), and third in on base percentage (.475). She was also named to the NFCA All-American Third Team.
In addition to Jessica Valis, four Cougars were predicted as members of the All-C-USA Team, including seniors Elaina Nordstrom, Katie Bush and Laurie Wagner and sophomore Jennifer Klinkert.
Next Up
The Cougars start the season off in Cathedral City, Calif. in the Cathedral City Kickoff on Feb. 6, at noon when they play California.
Predicted Order to Finish
1. Houston (7)...54-11, 21-2 C-USA
2. East Carolina (1)...37-30, 10-12 C-USA
3. Tulsa (1)...34-25, 14-10 C-USA
4. UCF...49-20, 16-7 C-USA
