FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Averett University was picked seventh by conference coaches in the USA South preseason baseball poll, which was announced on Wednesday. Shenandoah University, which won the 2009 South Regional and advanced to the Division III World Series, was selected as the favorite.
Methodist University, N.C. Wesleyan College, Christopher Newport University and Ferrum College rounded out the top five in the poll, followed by Greensboro College and Averett.
The Cougars, who finished 14-24-1 overall and 4-6 in the USA South in 2009, enter the 2010 campaign with several question marks, including replacing a number of its starting pitchers from last season. However, head coach
Ed Fulton feels confident that the team will benefit from an added year of experience from the team's returning players, as well as its strong recruiting class.
Averett opens the season at home on Feb. 6 against Hampden-Sydney College.
| Rank |
Institution (1st place Votes) |
Pts. |
| 1. |
Shenandoah (5) |
35 |
| 2. |
Methodist |
29 |
| 3. |
N.C. Wesleyan (1) |
25 |
| 4. |
Christopher Newport (1) |
24 |
| 5. |
Ferrum |
17 |
| 6. |
Greensboro |
9 |
| 7. |
Averett |
8 |