Feb. 7, 2006
ST. LOUIS, Mo. -
When Illinois State head softball coach Melinda Fischer saw the Missouri Valley Conference Preseason Coaches Poll released Tuesday, she wasn't surprised to find that her Redbirds were picked to finish third in the league race. The `Birds, who received 77 points and one first place vote, trailed only league favorite Wichita State and Southern Illinois, both of which represented the conference in the 2005 NCAA Tournament along with Creighton.
"I thought we could be anywhere from No. 3 on down," Fischer said. "It's interesting to see what other coaches are thinking right now, but I think Wichita (State), Southern (Illinois) and Creighton deserve the nod after their performances last season."
Wichita State had a league-leading six players named to the Preseason All-Valley Team, while no more than two players were recognized from the other teams. Despite returning 2005 first team all-conference outfielder Randi Patton, no Redbirds were named to the Preseason All-Valley Team.
"I was kind of surprised that we didn't have anyone named to the preseason team," Fischer said. "But that's okay, because we've already talked about the fact that if we want to accomplish our goals this season it's going to take each and every one of our players to contribute at a level that meets their expectations, as well as the coaching staff's."
The Redbirds enter the season with just three position starters returning from last year's 31-21 squad that finished sixth in the regular season conference standings. ISU will field a roster with eight new additions, six freshmen and a pair of transfers. In fact, five of the Redbird rookies have the potential to start on opening day.
"We've got a lot of new additions this season and I'm really excited about them," Fischer said. "We have a lot of possibilities offensively and defensively. I can see using a variety of different lineups early in the season. A lot of that will depend on what people are doing offensively."
The Redbirds face a tough task on Friday as they open their 2006 campaign with a 1 p.m. match-up against No. 3 Tennessee at the Coastal Carolina Tournament. ISU will then take on the host school at 6 p.m. On Saturday, the `Birds will face both teams again at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., respectively.
2006 Valley Preseason Coaches Poll
No. Team (1st place votes) Points
1. Wichita State (7) 93
2. Southern Illinois (2) 92
3. Illinois State (1) 77
4. Creighton 67
5. Missouri State 66
6. Drake 47
7. Northern Iowa 37
8. Bradley 25
9. Evansville 24
10. Indiana State 22
