BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The University of Arkansas at Monticello softball team has been picked to finish in second place in the Gulf South Conference West Division, and shortstop Lindsey Randall and right fielder Becca Tipton were named to the Preseason All-GSC squad.

The Blossoms received two first place votes, three second place votes and one third place vote, earning 31 points, just three points below pre-season favorite and defending division champion Arkansas Tech.
 
UAM, which finished fourth a year ago with an overall record of 23-31, returns only three starters and brings a host of talented newcomers, hoping to claim its seventh division championship with a shot at returning to the NCAA regional tournament.
 
"It's good to be recognized by others as a contender for the GSC West Division championship,” said UAM head coach Alvy Early.  “It's difficult to predict how we'll be… We lost six seniors and six of the nine positions will be manned by first-year players, but we always think we can compete, we'll just have to wait until we begin playing to find out how we are.”
 
Following Arkansas Tech and UAM, Delta State is picked to finish third, Henderson State fourth, Ouachita Baptist fifth, Christian Brothers sixth and Southern Arkansas seventh.
 
Also included in the pre-season release was the announcement of the Preseason All-GSC squad. Senior Lindsey Randall (Keithville, La.) earned a spot after being named to the 2008 All-GSC Second Team. Sophomore Becca Tipton (Dermott, Ark.) also earned preseason accolades.
 
Randall was the team’s leading hitter in the 2008 season, finishing the season with a .389 batting average. She also led the team with 65 base hits and 179 total at bats.
 
Tipton finished 2008 with a .290 batting average and led the team with 15 doubles. She is the leading returning player in the RBI category with 31 a year ago, trailing only Meredith Heckel with 34.
 
"I'm pleased that Lindsey and Becca were named to the Pre-Season All-GSC Team,” said Early. “It's a fitting tribute to each of them.  They are solid performers and they are excited about the upcoming season.  Hopefully, they will play to their potential this spring and enjoy a productive season.”
 
The Blossoms begin the 2009 season in the Arkansas Tech Tournament beginning on Friday, February 6, lasting through Sunday, February 8. UAM’s opponents over the weekend are Southwest Baptist, Lincoln and Missouri-St. Louis.