The Southeastern Conference announced the 2020 Preseason Softball Coaches Poll on Wednesday, with Ole Miss being picked to finish eighth in the nation’s premier softball conference.

The Rebels received 62 points in the poll based on a 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 format. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team. Alabama was selected to repeat as regular season champions after garnering 11-of-13 first-place votes. Tennessee received the other two first-place nods.

Ole Miss achieved its highest-ever finish in the SEC standings in 2019, finishing fifth with a 13-10 league record on the way to a 41-20 overall record. The Rebels went on to capture the program’s second NCAA Regional Championship.

In garnering the eighth spot, Ole Miss finished ahead on points of South Carolina (56), Missouri (54), Auburn (52), Mississippi State (22) and Texas A&M (22), all of which received a bid to the 2017 NCAA Tournament.

For the full poll, see below:

2020 SEC Preseason Softball Poll
1. Alabama (11) – 143
2. Tennessee (2) – 129
3. LSU – 117
4. Kentucky – 101
5. Florida – 92
6. Georgia – 84
7. Arkansas – 80
8. Ole Miss – 62
9. South Carolina – 56
10. Missouri – 54
11. Auburn – 52
12. Mississippi State – 22
12. Texas A&M – 22

 

By Mitch Praxl / Ole Miss Athletics