Methodist Tops USA South Softball Pre-Season Poll

February 3, 2004 - The USA South Athletic Conference has announced the results of its 2004 softball pre-season poll and Methodist has been picked to finish first this season.  The Monarchs won the Conference tournament in 2003.  They finished the year 38-10, including 9-3 in Conference action.  Christopher Newport has been predicted to finish second in 2004.  The Captains split last year's regular season title with Chowan, after finishing 30-7-1 overall and 12-2 in the Conference.  The Braves have been predicted to finish third this season.  The 2004 USA South softball season kicks off February 21. 

The poll is voted on by the softball coach at each school.  Each school was not allowed to vote for its own team.  Methodist received seven first-place votes, while Christopher Newport received the remaining two. 


The 2004 USA South Softball Pre-Season Poll follows (first place votes):

1.  Methodist                             63  (7)
2.  Christopher Newport            57  (2)
3.  Chowan                                50
4.  Ferrum                                 37
5.  Averett                                 32
5.  Greensboro                         32
7.  Peace                                  25
8.  N.C. Wesleyan                     20
9.  Shenandoah                          8