Softball

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. - The defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) tournament champion Howard University was predicted to win the 2008 MEAC Softball Championship, as voted on by the league's head softball coaches and sports information directors.  Florida A&M were slated to finish first in the Southern Division while the Bison were picked to win the Northern Division and the tournament title.

The Lady Bison finished the 2007 season with a 35-21 overall record and earned their first berth to the NCAA post season tournament.  They return six starters, three of which earned All-MEAC honors including senior pitcher Dale McNeal, infielder/catcher Kristina Cordova and tournament MVP Courtney Young.  Young was one of three players to earn all conference honors as a freshman after leading the MEAC in doubles and RBIs per game during a stellar rookie campaign.

Howard received 11 first place votes for a total of 101 points to earn the preseason honor. 

The Lady Bison open its regular season this weekend with a pair of games against Campbell and North Carolina Central on Feb. 23 and 24, respectively.