The Southeastern Conference announced the 2020 Softball Preseason Coaches’ Poll Wednesday morning. The University of Georgia was chosen sixth with 84 points in the poll.
Alabama drew 11 of the 13 first-place votes en route to being named the SEC preseason favorite, as voted on by the league’s head coaches. Tennessee, who picked up the other two first-place votes, was picked second. LSU came in third followed by Kentucky and Florida. Arkansas and Ole Miss follow the Bulldogs to close out the top eight in the poll. Points for the poll were awarded on a 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 basis. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team.
The Bulldogs concluded the 2019 campaign with a 42-19 record and made their 18th-consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Georgia ventured to #7 Minnesota in the Regional round, ultimately falling to the Gophers in a loaded opening round featuring three top-25 teams.
This season, Georgia returns seven position starters and four pitchers from last season. The roster features a veteran seven-member senior class and eight juniors.
Georgia begins the 2020 season Feb. 6 at home against North Alabama. The Bulldogs host Howard, Kent State, and UNCW that weekend at Jack Turner Stadium in the Red & Black Showcase.
2020 SEC Softball Preseason Coaches’ Poll(First-Place Votes in Parentheses)
1. Alabama (11) 143
2. Tennessee (2) 129
3. LSU 117
4. Kentucky 101
5. Florida 92
6. Georgia 84
7. Arkansas 80
8. Ole Miss 62
9. South Carolina 56
10. Missouri 54
11. Auburn 52
12. Mississippi State 22
12. Texas A&M 22