RADFORD SOFTBALL RECEIVES VOTES IN NATIONAL PRESEASON POLLS

RADFORD, Va. – Radford softball has earned national preseason recognition as it received votes in both the USA Today / NFCA Division I and ESPN.com / USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 Polls..
 
“Our program is honored to be recognized by peers in our sport, ” said fifth-year head coach Mickey Dean. “The players have worked hard to be recognized not just for winning, but the amount of commitment, discipline, and hard work they have continued to put in. ”
 
“The two-time defending Big South champions Highlander, who received one vote in the final 2010 USA Today / NFCA Poll, enter the 2011 campaign ranked tied for 34th and 38th, respectively, after picking up seven votes in each poll.
 
“What we need to recognize as a team is that our dedication needs to be greater now than ever,” stated Dean. “Rankings are great, but the reward comes in the end when you finish on top.”
 
Radford is coming off a 38-17 campaign, which saw an upset of #24 Florida State that catapulted it into the NCAA Regional Finals, a first for any Radford athletics team. The Highlanders also finished with their highest end of the season RPI (40), while earning 53 individual and team accolades for their performance on the field and in the classroom.  
 
“I am extremely proud of our players and coaches, and thankful for the support of our administration in providing an atmosphere for our athletes to excel.”

The Highlanders begin 2011 in Statesboro, Ga. on Feb. 12 and 13, playing two games each against host Georgia Southern and Mercer.