COLORADO SPRINGS -- After winning the 2007 regular-season championship, the BYU Cougars have been selected to win the Mountain West Conference softball regular-season title in a vote by the league coaches released today. BYU received five first-place votes, while San Diego State also received one.
"It's an honor to be held in such a high regard by our conference opponents," BYU head coach Gordon Eakin said. "I believe our conference has a lot more parity this year, and any of the teams could step up and climb the ranks."
BYU, who also won the regular-season crown in 2001 and 2005, collected 25 points to capture the top spot in the poll. San Diego State tallied 19 points to place second in the poll, followed by last year's regular-season runner-up UNLV (15 points). Colorado State and New Mexico tied for fourth place, with 13 points apiece, while Utah (5 points) was picked sixth.
The Cougars, coming off a 43-20-0 overall record (16-4-0 MWC) and an NCAA Tournament appearance last season, return nine letterwinners, including MWC First-Team member Emi Snow Willing (senior, catcher). BYU will also be led by all-conference performers Christie Zinanti (sophomore, pitcher) and Angeline Quiocho (sophomore, infielder).
The Cougars open the 2008 season Feb. 7, when they host the Red Desert Classic in St. George, Utah.
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2008 Preseason Coaches' Poll
Pl. Team Points
1. BYU(5) 25
2. Sand Diego State(1) 19
3. UNLV 15
T4. Colorado State 13
T4. New Mexico 13
6. Utah 5