Delta State University

BIRMINGHAM,Ala.-The Delta State University softball team was picked to finish third in the Gulf South Conference West Division in a poll released on Jan. 26. The poll was voted on by the leagues coaches.

Arkansas Monticello was picked to finish first in the West Division after a second place finish last season. 2009 GSC runner-up Arkansas Tech was picked to finish second. The Lady Statesmen received 26 points, which was only one behind ATU. UAM finished with 35 total points, including 5-of-7 first place votes. DSU received three second place votes, two third place votes and one fourth place vote.

2009 NCAA Runner-Up Alabama-Huntsville was picked to win the GSC Tournament, as they earned 10 of 13 first place votes. GSC East member Valdosta State was next with two, followed by UAM with one vote.

The Lady Statesmen placed seniors Edie Oliver and Brittany Eikner on the Preseason All-GSC Team. The duo will look to continue their momentum after career best seasons in 2009. Eikner was named First Team All GSC after batting .280 with a career best five home runs and another career best 27 runs batted in.

Oliver was named second team All-GSC after a career high 18 wins, which included 127 strike outs. The Eupora native ranks fifth in DSU history with 37 career wins in the circle.