WOU

MONMOUTH, Ore. - The Western Oregon University softball team has been voted as one of the co-favorites to win the Great Northwest Athletic Conference this season, according to the coaches' preseason poll, which was released Thursday, Jan. 28.

The Wolves received 31 points in the ballot including two first place votes. Montana State Billings was selected as the other co-favorite after also receiving 31 points. The Yellowjackets, however, did receive three first place votes.

Western Oregon will return all but two student-athletes to a squad which finished last season with a 23-23 record and 20-15 in the GNAC. Among the returners are conference player of the year and All-American honorable mention Tyler Sutherland, along with first team all-league selections Jessica Hallmark and Amanda Fleer. WOU will also bring back all-conference second team selections Bailey Rueck (Inf) and Jessica Wood (P).

The season will get underway for the WOU softball team Feb. 18th at home against Corban College. The first pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.