Feb. 8, 2011

Jacksonville State is the favorite in OVC preseason poll

Defending champion Jacksonville State is the preseason pick in the Ohio Valley Conference, in voting by the league’s head coaches and released by the conference office.

The Gamecocks garnered four first-place votes and 59 points to take the top spot. Jacksonville State lost five position starters, including three All-OVC performers, but head coach Jim Case will have Kyle Bluestein, Sam Eberle and Blake Seguin leading the offense.

Southeast Missouri picked up three first-place votes and 55 points to place second, one point ahead of defending regular-season champ Tennessee Tech, which got the final two first-place votes.

Eastern Illinois came in fourth, followed by Eastern Kentucky, Murray State, Austin Peay, Morehead State and UT Martin.

The 63rd season of OVC baseball begins on Friday, Feb. 18. Conference play starts the weekend of March 26-27. The 2011 OVC Tournament will be held for the second consecutive season at Pringles Park in Jackson, Tenn., from May 25-29.

OVC Preseason Poll

Team, Points (First Place) (2010 OVC, Overall Records)

1. Jacksonville State, 59 (4) (15-8, 32-26)

2. Southeast Missouri, 55 (3) (13-9, 30-25)

3. Tennessee Tech, 54 (2) (14-6, 31-25)

4. Eastern Illinois, 36 (11-12, 18-35)

5. Eastern Kentucky, 33 (9-12, 28-27)

6. Murray State, 28 (12-8-1, 28-28-1)

7. Austin Peay, 25 (8-13, 28-25)

8. Morehead State, 19 (6-12-1, 24-25-1)

9. UT Martin, 10 (8-16, 24-31)