SEC Softball Preview

Friday,February 3, 2012

After a season that saw LSU, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Auburn, Kentucky, and Georgia reach the 2011 NCAA Tournament, the SEC is primed once again to have a banner season on the softball diamond.

That being said, here’s our look at the 11 teams that play softball in the SEC (Vanderbilt does not sponsor a team).

Alabama (51-9, 19-6)

The Crimson Tide won the SEC regular season title and landed a spot in the Women’s College World Series for the first time since 2009, their third bid in four seasons. After head coach Patrick Murphy nearly bounced to Baton Rouge to become head coach, the Tide return players like Jazlyn Lunceford (.254 batting average/6 HR/29 RBI) and pitcher Lauren Sewell (5-0 record and 3.69 ERA in 2011)

Arkansas (13-39, 3-23)

The Hogs face yet another uphill climb in getting into the conversation for a berth to the SEC Tournament.

Auburn (40-19, 15-13 SEC)

Picked third by media members for the 2012 season, the Tigers reached the NCAA Tournament and posted a 23-8 record at home in 201

Florida (56-13, 21-7)

Gators look to build on banner year as preseason favorites to win the SEC regular season title.

Georgia (51-14, 17-9)

The Bulldogs earned the SEC automatic bid with a dramatic home run in the final to beat the Lady Vols. This season the Bulldogs look to capitalize on that run in the SEC and NCAA Tournaments with the return of players such as Erin Arvaleo and newcomers such as Tess Sito.

Kentucky (40-16, 14-9)

The Wildcats, who came within an eyelash of reaching Oklahoma City last year, return five starters to Lexington for 2012.

LSU (40-18, 19-9)

After nearly getting revenge for Alabama plucking away Nick Saban by hiring Patrick Murphy, the Bayou Bengals embark on a new era with coach Beth Torina.

Mississippi State (24-32, 10-18)

The Jay Miller era came to an end after a disappointing season in Starkville. With new head coach Vann Studeman at the helm, the Bulldogs are looking to get off to a solid start in the Studeman era.