LOUISVILLE, Ky.--After finishing 34-20, and making it to the NCAA regional final in 2013, Barry softball is starting the new season on a good note. In the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division II Preseason Poll, the Bucs are starting the new season as the #24 team in the country.
Last year, the Bucs made a run in the NCAA South Region Tournament until their season ended at the hands of Alabama Huntsville. This post-season run, and a 19-5 conference record which had them finish tied for second place in the SSC, left the Bucs just outside the final poll of 2013.
But coming into 2014 with 13 returning letterwinners, five returning position starters and three returning pitchers, the Bucs received 41 votes, according them a spot amongst the nation’s best teams. Amongst the preseason top 25 are two teams on Barry’s 2014 schedule: #5 Armstrong Atlantic State and conference rival, #13 Tampa.
The Bucs open the season this Saturday, Feb. 1 at noon against Flagler College.