Bethlehem, PA – The Patriot League announced its preseason poll on Thursday and the Mountain Hawks were picked to finish the coming season like they ended last year - on top. The defending Patriot League champions garnered 10 of a possible 12 first place votes in the poll, which is voted on by the League’s coaches and sports information directors. Lehigh comes into this season looking for its seventh consecutive regular season title as the Mountain Hawks hope to earn go back to the NCAA Tournament for the second year in a row and the third time in five seasons.
Head coach Fran Troyan has sixteen letter winners back from last season’s team that posted a 40-17-2 record, including five All-Patriot league selections and a number of other key contributors. Army and Colgate received the other two first place votes with Bucknell, Holy Cross and Lafayette rounding out the poll.
Lehigh will open the 2005 season next weekend when the Mountain Hawks travel to Columbus, Georgia for the invitation-only NFCA Leadoff Classic. This 24 team tournament features some of the top teams in college softball. The Mountain Hawks’ four team pool features national powers Florida State and Oklahoma as well as defending Big Ten tournament champion Michigan State. Lehigh’s opening game will be against the Seminoles on Friday, February 25 at noon.
2005 Patriot League Softball Preseason Poll
Team (#First Place Votes) Points
1. Lehigh (10) 50
2. Army (1) 41
3. Colgate (1) 35
4. Bucknell 22
5. Holy Cross 21
6. Lafayette 11
