Flashes Softball Picked Second in MAC Preseason Poll
2/6/2019 11:56:00 AM | Softball
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Kent State softball team has been selected to finish second in the Mid-American Conference preseason coaches' poll, as announced by the league office on Wednesday afternoon. The Golden Flashes received two first place votes and received one vote to win the MAC Tournament Championship.
Kent State has won three league championships in the last four seasons and has appeared in 15 straight MAC Tournaments, the longest streak in conference history since a regular tournament was held beginning in 1996.
With Eastern Michigan discontinuing the sport after last season, the MAC has abolished divisions for the first time since 1997.
Ball State was tabbed to win the regular season and tournament championships with seven first place votes in both sections of the poll. Only 10 of the leagues 11 head coaches participated in the poll.
Fourth-year head coach Eric Oakley returns eight starters this season, highlighted by senior infielder Bailey Brownfield. The two-time All-MAC First Team selection hit .351 last season with a league-high nine doubles in conference play. Sophomore outfielder Kennadie Goth hit .403 in 2018, which is fifth all-time in Kent State history and the second-best by a freshman a year ago.
Kent State opens the 2019 slate at the FGCU Kickoff Classic on Feb. 8th. The tournament runs through Sunday the 10th and the Flashes will play five games against LIU Brooklyn, Penn State and the host Eagles. The Golden Flashes will play a rigorous non-conference schedule and play 12 games this year against opponents either ranked or receiving votes in the USA Today/NFCA Top 25 Preseason Coaches' Poll.
2019 MAC Softball Preseason Poll (First Place Votes)
1. Ball State – 105 (6)
2. Kent State - 93 (2)
3. Ohio - 80 (1)
4. Western Michigan - 69
5. Northern Illinois - 66
6. Miami - 65
7. Central Michigan - 62
8. Bowling Green – 43 (1)
9. Toledo – 42
10. Akron - 18
11. Buffalo - 17
2019 MAC Tournament Champion: Ball State (7)
Also receiving votes: Kent State (1), Ohio (1), Bowling Green (1)
(First Place Votes)
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