Flashes Picked Third in the East

CLEVELAND - Coming off its fifth Mid-American Conference East Division title, the Kent State softball team was picked to finish third in the East according to the 2011 MAC Coaches' Poll released Tuesday.

The Golden Flashes return most of their offensive fire power from last season, including sophomore Lauren Grimes (.374), and seniors Jess Carmichael (.292) and Beth Cinadr (.318), all of whom launched 11 home runs in 2010. Grimes earned a spot on the All-Mideast Region First Team, while Carmichael was named to the All-MAC First Team.

"If we play defense the way we're capable of, we'll win games," Head Coach Karen Linder said. "With solid defense behind our pitchers, I think our offense is strong enough to win a lot of games."

Miami was picked to win both the East and the MAC Tournament, while Ball State was chosen for the top spot in the West. The RedHawks received five first place votes in the East, just ahead of second place Ohio with four, while the Golden Flashes tallied first place votes.

"I think the other teams are wanting to see somebody else win the East," Linder said of the third place position.

The defending tournament champion Cardinals claimed seven first place votes in the West, followed by second place Central Michigan with four.

Kent State's 2011 season gets underway this Saturday (Feb. 12), taking on Youngstown State and Elon at the Phoenix Classic in Elon, N.C.

West Division

1. Ball State (7)

2. Central Michigan (4)

3. Northern Illinois (1)

4. Western Michigan

5. Eastern Michigan

6. Toledo

East Division

1. Miami (5)

2. Ohio (4)

3. Kent State (3)

4. Bowling Green

5. Buffalo

6. Akron

2011 MAC Tournament Winner - Miami (7)

(Also receiving votes Ball State (3), Ohio (1), Kent State (1)

(number of first place votes) (number of first place votes)