Fresno State Athletics
`Dogs Picked to Repeat
1/28/2010 12:00:00 AM | Softball
FRESNO, Calif. - The 2010 Western Athletic Conference coaches poll once again has favored the Fresno State Bulldog softball team. For the 13th time in 15 years the `Dogs were picked to win the league after coming away victorious by winning their 21st conference title in 2009.
Fresno State got six first place votes and 48 total points. Nevada was second with 41 points and one first place vote followed by Hawai'i. New Mexico State was fourth with the final first place vote. Louisiana Tech, San Jose State, Boise State and Utah State rounded out the poll.
The Preseason All-WAC Team was also released as the `Dogs placed two juniors on the list. Left handed pitcher Morgan Melloh was named the Preseason Pitcher of the Year for the second-straight year. Melloh was named WAC Pitcher of the Year as a freshman in 2008 and was a First-Team All-WAC selection in 2009. She was also the 2009 WAC Tournament MVP and named to the All-West Region team. Earlier this week, Melloh was also named to the ASA Top 50 Watch List.
Shortstop Haley Gilleland was also named to the Preseason All-WAC team. Gilleland was a Second-Team All-WAC selection in 2009 and named to the 2009 WAC All-Tournament team.
2010 Preseason All-WAC Team
Player - School - Pos. _ Yr.
Kylie Bassett - Louisiana Tech - 1B - Sr.
Sam Bias - Nevada - 3B - Sr.
Kathy Cox - Boise State - 3B - Sr.
Haley Gilleland - Fresno State - SS - Jr.
Katie Holverson - Nevada - P - Sr.
Tiare Jennings - New Mexico State - OF - So.
Morgan Melloh - Fresno State - P - Jr.
Noelle Micka - Nevada - C - Jr.
Hoku Nohara - New Mexico State - 1B - Jr.
Angie Ortega - New Mexico State - OF - Sr.
Stephanie Ricketts - Hawai'i - P - So.
Amanda Tauali'i - Hawai'i - 1B - Sr.
Amberly Waits - Louisiana Tech - SS - Sr.
Player of the Year
Amberly Waits, Sr., Louisiana Tech
Pitcher of the Year
Morgan Melloh, Jr., Fresno State
2010 WAC Preseason Poll
Rank - Team (1st-Place Votes) Points
1. Fresno State (6) 48
2. Nevada (1) 41
3. Hawai`i 34
4. New Mexico State (1) 29
5. Louisiana Tech 28
6. San Jose State 19
7. Boise State 18
8. Utah State 7
"We Are Your Team" - The 2010 Fresno State softball season begins at Bulldog Diamond on Friday, Feb. 12 with a doubleheader vs. Santa Clara beginning at 6 p.m. Season tickets go on sale Jan. 13.
