Feb. 5, 2002

The Cleveland State softball team grabbed the fifth spot with 25 points in the 2002 Horizon League Preseason Poll, which is voted on by the league's coaches.

The University of Illinois-Chicago claimed first place with 49 points and seven first-place votes.

The Vikings, who last season finished 19-33, return six starters and four all-conference players this season and look to imporve from a sixth-place finish last year. Senior outfielder Tiffany Stocker (Sherrodsville, Ohio/ Conotton Valley), a three-time all-league selection, returns after leading the team in average, hitting .368. Stocker, CSU's career stolen base leader, also led the conference in stolen bases last season with 41 and is on track to crack the NCAA Division I career top 20.

Another first-team pick in 2001, senior infielder Jackie Miller (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio/ Walsh Jesuit), hit .263 last season and was second on the team in RBI. Miller, a strong defensive player, will return at third base for the Vikings.

Other all-league players returning are Stephanie Taylor (Wintersville, Ohio/ Indian Creek) and Jessica Miller (Medina, Ohio/ Medina). Taylor, catcher and designated hitter, batted .344 last year and led the team in slugging percentage and on-base percentage. Jessica Miller, pitcher and infielder, led the team in RBI with 26. Miller also will return on the mound after posting a 3.68 ERA last season.

The Vikings open the 2002 season on March 2, at the Dayton Invitational Tournament.

The 2002 Horizon League Softball Preseason Poll follows.

Team (2001 Record) Points 1. Illinois-Chicago (46-23) 49 (7) 2. Wright State (28-22) 38 (1) 3. Loyola (20-23) 36 4. Wisconsin-Green Bay (22-23) 30 5. Cleveland State (19-33) 25 6. Butler (21-25) 20 7. Detroit (15-33) 15 8. Youngstown State (12-38)* 11

* Played in Mid-Continent Conference in 2001 first place votes in parentheses