RICHMOND, Va. -- The University of Delaware softball team was picked in a tie for sixth place in the 2009 Colonial Athletic Association Preseason Coaches Poll announced by the conference on Friday.

Hofstra, which has claimed all seven CAA Championships since joining the league along with Delaware in 2002, received all seven first-place votes and the maximum 49 points, as coaches could not vote for their own teams. James Madison picked up the other first place vote and was picked second with 42 points, while Georgia State was selected third with 37 points. Towson was picked fourth with 29 points, followed by Drexel with 28 points. Delaware and UNC Wilmington each received 14 points to tie for sixth place, while George Mason was picked eighth with 11 points.

Delaware, which will be led by 29th-year head coach B.J. Ferguson, returns eight starters and welcomes five newcomers for the 2009 season. The Blue Hens went 22-26 last year and finished in seventh place in the CAA standings with a 4-17 league mark.

The Blue Hens will be led by senior third baseman Quinn Megargel (at right), who batted .323 with 41 hits and 32 runs scored while starting all 48 games a year ago. Senior rightfielder Katie DeSalvo hit .254 with 30 hits and 13 stolen bases for Delaware, while senior shortstop Kim Ovittore batted .238 with 24 hits and 13 runs scored.

Sophomore Anne Marie Pagano will lead the Blue Hen pitching staff after going 13-10 with a 3.20 earned run average in 31 appearances during her rookie season.

The Blue Hens open their 2009 season on February 24 when Delaware visits Saint Joseph’s for a 3 p.m. game with the Hawks. UD hosts James Madison on March 21 in a doubleheader at Delaware Field in the Blue Hens’ home opener.

2009 CAA Softball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Hofstra - 49 (7)
2. James Madison - 42 (1)
3. Georgia State - 37
4. Towson - 29
5. Drexel - 28
6. Delaware - 14
6. UNC Wilmington - 14
8. George Mason - 11