Lady Jacket Softball Picked 4^th in Preseason (1/28/07)
 

BILLINGS, MT – The Montana State-Billings Lady Jacket softball team has been ranked fourth in a preseason poll by the conference’s head softball coaches and sports information directors. University of the Incarnate Word, who topped both St. Edward’s and St. Mary’s in a tight race, has been chosen to win the 2007 championship.  Incarnate Word finished just ahead of those teams in 2006 to capture the Heartland Conference Championship in 2006.

The Montana State-Billings Lady Yellowjackets were picked to finish fourth out of the six-team conference.  Last season, the Jackets finished 5^th in the conference, going 15-15 in the Heartland and 20-31 overall.  Last year’s conference featured a 7^th team, Western New Mexico, which has since dropped out of the conference.  MSUB will, however, open their 2007 season against their former conference opponent on February 11 on the road against Western New Mexico.  On March 7, the Lady Jackets will play their first home game of the season against University of Mary. 

Incarnate Word, St. Mary’s, and Edward’s each advanced to the NCAA South Central Regional Tournament and represented three of the four remaining teams.  Incarnate Word went on to represent the league in the regional final, dropping to Central Oklahoma 5-4.

Incarnate Word junior Melissa Perez and St. Mary’s junior pitcher Malissa Magee have been selected as the 2007 Heartland Conference Preseason Player and Pitcher of the year, respectively.

2007 Heartland Conference Preseason Poll (Points)
1. Incarnate Word (20)
2. St. Edward’s (25)
3. St. Mary’s (25)
4. Montana State-Billings (43)
5. Oklahoma Panhandle State (57)
6. Lincoln (61)