Softball 2/20/2008 5:00:00 AM MEAC Media Relations

Howard Softball Predicted to Repeat As Conference Champions

The defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) tournament champion Howard University was tabbed as the preseason favorite to win the 2008 MEAC Softball Championship, as voted on by the league’s head softball coaches and sports information directors. Florida A&M were slated to finish first in the Southern Division while the Bison were picked to win the Northern Division and the tournament title.

The Lady Bison finished the 2007 season with a 35-21 overall record and earned their first berth to the NCAA post season tournament. They return six starters, three of which earned All-MEAC honors including senior pitcher Dale McNeal, infielder/catcher Kristina Cordova and tournament MVP Courtney Young. Young was one of three players to earn all conference honors as a freshman after leading the MEAC in doubles and RBIs per game during a stellar rookie campaign.

Howard received 11 first place votes for a total of 101 points to earn the preseason honor.

Florida A&M earned the nod in the Southern Division after posting a 7-7 MEAC finish in 2007 and a 16-46 overall record. The Lady Rattlers received eight first place votes for a total of 78 points and will look to return to their elite status after winning the tournament title in 2006.

The Delaware State Lady Hornets were selected to finish second in the Northern Division with 95 total points. The Lady Hornets finished the 2007 campaign with a 10-4 MEAC record and 24-29 overall mark.

Hampton was predicted to finish third in the North, receiving 83 total points. The Lady Pirates dominated conference play last year with an unblemished 14-0 MEAC record but suffered a tough blow closing out the regular season after the death of head coach Tiny Laster. The Lady Pirates faltered in the championship losing to both Howard and N.C. A&T.

The N.C. A&T Lady Aggies were picked to finish second in the Southern Division. The Lady Aggies recovered after an early loss to Howard in the opening round of the championship tournament to compete against the Lady Bison for the title. The Lady Aggies, who received 71 total points, finished the 2007 season with a 9-5 MEAC record and 30-30 overall mark.

Norfolk State, Bethune-Cookman and South Carolina State were predicted to finish third, fourth and fifth in the Southern Division.

Conference play begins March 29 with all MEAC northern and southern teams pitted against one another. The 2008 MEAC Softball championship is scheduled for May 8-10 at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

Click here for the complete release on the 2008 MEAC preseason softball standings.