Charlotte, N.C. --Radford’s softball team was tabbed fifth in the 2005 Big South preseason poll, announced today by the League office. The Highlanders, who finished tied for fourth last season, garnered 41 points. Two-time defending champion, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi was honored as the preseason favorite for the second consecutive season with 10 first place votes and 94 points.

Winthrop, the 2004 Big South runner-up, was second with four first place votes and 82 points with Coastal Carolina finishing third with 68 points. Birmingham-Southern was fourth with 54 points, followed by Radford, Liberty (33) and Charleston Southern (20).

The Highlanders finished last season 31-32, the second highest win total in school history. Radford opens up the 2005 campaign at the Triangle Classic in Raleigh, N.C. The Highlanders will face East Tennessee State and Temple on Feb. 11 at 10:30 am and 1 pm respectively. RU’s first home contest is scheduled for Feb. 23 when they host rival Virginia Tech at 2 pm.