Jan. 26, 2011

IRVING, Texas - The Memphis softball team was picked to finish seventh in the Conference USA Preseason Coaches' Poll released by the league office on Wednesday.

Coming off its first appearance in the C-USA Tournament semifinals, the U of M received 29 points and finished behind Houston (70), East Carolina (63), UAB (63), Tulsa (61), UCF (48) and Southern Miss (31).

Junior outfielder Lelani Bernardino was named to the C-USA Preseason All-Conference Team. The 2010 C-USA Second Team All-Conference selection is one of eight returning starters on the 2011 squad.

The Tigers begin the 2011 season on Friday, February 11 at the FIU Combat Classic in Miami, Fla. Memphis' home opener is scheduled for Wednesday, February 23 with a double-header against Alabama A&M at the Tiger Softball Complex.

2011 Preseason Team Rankings (First Place Votes)
1. Houston (3) 70
2. East Carolina (3) 63
3. UAB (2) 63
4. Tulsa (1) 61
5. UCF 48
6. Southern Miss 31
7. Memphis 29
8. UTEP 23
9. Marshall 17

2011 Preseason Softball Awards (as selected by C-USA Head Coaches)
Preseason Pitcher of the Year
Toni Paisley, East Carolina (Senior)

Preseason Player of the year
Camilla Carrera, UTEP (Catcher/Utility, Senior)

Preseason All-Conference Team
P-Toni Paisley (East Carolina)
P- Donna Bourgeois, Houston
P- Lauren Webster, UAB
C- Mandy Lowman, UAB
IF- Samantha Cobb, Tulsa
IF- Natalie Land, UCF
IF- Kayla Orr, UAB
IF- Jazmine Valle, Marshall
IF- Tiffany Lane, UCF
OF- Caitlin Everett, Tulsa
OF- Ashleigh Jones, Houston
OF- Lelani Bernardino, Memphis
OF- Leslie LeJune, Southern Miss
DH- Reina Gaber, Houston
UT- Camilla Carrera, UTEP