Feb. 2, 2004

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –
The Southeastern Conference released the 2004 Softball Coaches Poll Monday afternoon and the South Carolina Gamecocks were picked to finish fourth in the Eastern Division. USC finished behind Georgia, who is picked to win the conference title, and Tennessee and Florida, who are both tied for second. Kentucky is predicted to finish fifth in the East.

In the Western Division, Alabama received top billing followed by LSU, Mississippi State, Auburn, Ole Miss and Arkansas. For SEC Champion, the Bulldogs received nine votes while Alabama picked up two. Out of a possible 50 points, the Gamecocks tallied 26 points for their division ranking.

South Carolina finished the 2003 season 41-20 and earned a berth to the NCAA Tournament. In the final SEC standings of 2003, USC finished second in the SEC East with an 18-10 record.

The Gamecocks open the 2004 season Saturday, Feb. 7 at Charlotte with a Noon doubleheader. USC will also play North Carolina in Chapel Hill on Sunday, Feb. 8. The doubleheader is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.

2004 SEC Softball Preseason Coaches’ Poll
SEC CHAMPION: Georgia (9), Alabama (2) (First-Place Votes in Parentheses)

EASTERN DIVISION
1. Georgia (10) 50
2. Tennessee (1) 35
2. Florida 35
4. South Carolina 26
5. Kentucky 14

WESTERN DIVISION
1. Alabama (10) 60
2. LSU (1) 50
3. Mississippi State 39
4. Auburn 35
5. Ole Miss 22
6. Arkansas 19