Mounties picked seventh in Preseason Softball Poll
By Paul Hall on Tuesday, January 12th, 2021 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
LA GRANDE – The Cascade Collegiate Conference released its 2021 Softball Coaches’ Preseason Poll late last week. Eastern Oregon University enters the 2021 campaign picked to finish seventh.
The Mountaineers picked up 47 points in the coaches’ poll after finishing the shortened 2020 season with a 6-15 overall record and a 5-4 mark in conference play. With the COVID-19 pandemic hitting in mid-March, the Mounties 5-4 CCC record had them tied for fourth when the season abruptly ended.
Entering this season, second year head coach Nicole Christian brings back seven starters from last year’s squad. EOU has 18 total letterwinners back from 2020 and brought in 11 newcomers to the team which adds a combination of youth and experience, along with depth at multiple positions.
In-state rival Southern Oregon claimed the top spot in the coaches’ poll with 100 points. Oregon Tech is slated to finish second and racked up 88 points. Corban (Ore.) was not far behind OIT with 80 points to grab the No. 3 spot. College of Idaho and Carroll College (Mont.) round out the top-five with 77 and 64 points, respectively.
Note: Due to extended border closure and other COVID-19 restrictions, UBC has opted out of CCC play for the 2021 season.
The Blue and Gold get their season started on Feb. 27 with a four-game series at George Fox. To see the full 2021 Mountaineer Softball schedule, click the link above.
2021 CCC Softball Coaches’ Preseason Poll
Team Points
1. Southern Oregon 100
2. Oregon Tech 88
3. Corban 80
4. College of Idaho 77
5. Carroll 64
6. Warner Pacific 48
7. Eastern Oregon 47
8. UBC 38
9. Bushnell 24
10. Northwest University 23
11. Providence 16
