The National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced Tuesday the LSU softball team will begin the season ranked No. 19 on the NFCA top-25 preseason poll.
For the ninth straight season, the Tigers begin the season ranked along with eight other Southeastern Conference teams, including the defending champion Florida.
After falling short in the 2014 NCAA Tucson Regional final and finishing the season with a 38-24 record, LSU returns two All-Americans in senior outfielder A.J. Andrews and sophomore catcher Sahvanna Jaquish.
Along with Andrews and Jaquish, the Tigers’ roster features first team all-region pick Bianka Bell and SEC All-Freshman team members pitcher Baylee Corbello and outfielder Bailey Landry.
The Tigers will start the 2015 season by hosting Memphis, Eastern Illinois, Tennessee State and NC State in the annual Tiger Classic Tournament on Feb. 6-8 at Tiger Park.