Flashes Picked to Win MAC in Preseason Poll
2/11/2008 12:00:00 AM | Softball
CLEVELAND, Ohio
- The Mid-American Conference announced Sunday (Feb. 10) that Kent State is the preseason pick to win the 2008 MAC softball championship according to league coaches. The Golden Flashes are coming off an impressive campaign in 2007 that included a 15-3 conference record and a regular season title.
Kent State was also selected to win the MAC East Division after putting together two seven-game conference winning streaks last season. Seven Golden Flashes were named to the All-MAC Team, including five returning players.
Conference coaches chose Central Michigan to win the West Division, with 2007 MAC Tournament champion Eastern Michigan just behind the Chippewas in second. Bowling Green was selected to repeat as MAC East runner-up.
MAC Pitcher of the Year Kylie Reynolds is one of four all-conference first team members returning. Reynolds posted a 7-1 record against the MAC opponents last season with 84 strikeouts in 47 innings pitched. Other first team members include shortstop Jessica Toocheck, center fielder Kim Hamilton and Jamie Fitzpatrick at first base. The trio of seniors all hit .390 or better in conference play. The Golden Flashes return 13 letterwinners in 2008 and six position starters.
Kent State will be seeking its second MAC tournament title in three years after accomplishing the feat in 2006. The Golden Flashes will begin their MAC season at home Friday, March 28 against the Bowling Green State University Falcons.
