Tampa Earns Preseason Ranking For First Time
STARKVILLE, Miss. - For the first time in program history, The University of Tampa softball team has earned a preseason mention in the NFCA Division II Top 25 Poll. UT will open the season as the No. 10 team in the nation.
After finishing the 2008 season with an overall record of 35-13, the Spartans return seven starters from last year's team that advanced to the NCAA South region finals for the first time in Spartan softball history.
Among the returners for UT include its top two hitters in Ashley Arcuri and Michele Horan, and both pitchers. The staff will be led by sophomore Deanna Henriott, who set a UT record with 251 strikeouts last season.
The NFCA Division II Top 25 Poll is voted on by 16 NCAA Division II head coaches, two representing each of the eight NCAA regions.