TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Softball) – The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) announced the 2024 NJCAA Region 8 Division II Softball Preseason Coaches' Poll on Monday morning. Lake-Sumter softball was picked as the unanimous favorite, receiving seven first place votes and 70 points.
Teams are ranked by the opposing Division II coaches and two additional votes by the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) Softball Chair and the FCSAA Associate Director.
The full coaches' poll is listed below.
- Lake-Sumter State College (7) – 79 pts
- St. Johns River State College – 70 pts
- Pasco-Hernando State College – 60 pts
- South Florida State College – 59 pts
- Florida State College at Jacksonville – 52 pts
- Florida Gateway College – 40 pts
During the regular season, the Region 8 coaches' polls will be announced on Mondays beginning February 5. Region 8 Player of the Week announcements will follow on Tuesdays beginning January 30.
The Lakehawks open the 2024 season at home with a double header against Hillsborough Community College.
Sun-Lakes Conference play will kick off in late February. The Lakehawks will play each conference opponent in two three-game series for a total of six regular season games accounting for post-season placement.
Head coach Jay Miller in his ninth season with the Lakehawks shared his some of his thoughts on the upcoming season, "Our conference schedule looks a lot different this season with the addition of Florida Gateway College and moving to a 30-game conference schedule.
"This conference is riddled with talent and I am excited to see where we land this year," said Coach Miller.
The 2024 FCSAA/NJCAA Region 8 Champion and Sun-Lakes Conference Champion will be determined by the team that has the best regular season record and also earn an automatic bid to the 2024 South District Championship hosted in Alabama.
Lakehawk softball also received national recognition in the NJCAA Preseason Coaches' Poll. Lake-Sumter will enter the 2024 season ranked No. 15 in the country.
"It is a big compliment to this program where we started, where we are, and where we are headed. Last year, we were the 'new kids on the block' in Division II and going toe-to-toe with Louisburg (ranked No.1 in the preseason poll) in the District Championship caught attention both in and outside of the state of Florida.
"The team is very excited for this season, but all this tells us is: 'it's time to go to work'", said Coach Miller.
Up next for the Lakehawks
Lakehawk softball will host a double header against Hillsborough Community College on Saturday, January 27 at 12:00 and 2:00 p.m.
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