Pacers Sixth in Preseason PBC Softball Poll

AUGUSTA, Ga. – The University of South Carolina Aiken softball team has been tabbed to finish sixth in the Peach Belt Conference Preseason Softball Coaches Poll released by the league office on Wednesday, Jan. 25.

North Georgia has been dubbed the preseason favorite for the fourth year in a row. Armstrong Atlantic State was picked second, while Flagler was selected third.

The University of South Carolina Aiken softball team concluded its 2011 season by earning a trip to its second NCAA Division II Southeast Regional in the last three seasons.

The Pacers finished their campaign in 2011 with a record of 26-18. Playing in one of the toughest conferences in all of NCAA Division II softball, the Peach Belt Conference, the Pacers were 9-11. 

USC Aiken enters its 2012 campaign feeling as if it has a strong chance to compete for the crown in the Peach Belt Conference. The Pacers welcome back eight starters and 11 letterwinners. Couple that with a strong incoming class and the feelings are justified. 

If USC Aiken is able to navigate a tough schedule, then the Pacers will have the opportunity to participate in the NCAA Southeast Regionals for the third time in the last four years.       

The 2012 Pacer softball schedule features 14 home doubleheaders at J.H. Satcher Field to go along with a full Peach Belt Conference slate. USC Aiken will play a doubleheader with its opposition on every one of its scheduled dates in the 2012 season. 

The Pacers will open the 2012 season on the road against Catawba on Saturday, Feb. 18. The first game of the doubleheader is scheduled to get underway at 1 p.m. USC Aiken has won three straight games against Catawba to now own a 17-3 all-time series lead. The Pacers took two from the Indians at J.H. Satcher Field last season. 

USC Aiken will begin its 2012 home campaign with three consecutive doubleheaders.

The first Pacer home twinbill of the year will feature USC Aiken squaring off against Queens on Sunday, Feb. 19. USC Aiken has taken five straight games from Queens. The two programs will open the doubleheader at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19.

The 2012 coaches poll is below; teams were given 10 points for a first-place vote, nine for a second, etc. Coaches were not permitted to rank their own teams.  

2012 Peach Belt Conference Softball Preseason Coaches Poll