Feb. 10, 2009

RUSTON -- The Western Athletic Conference released their preseason poll Tuesday, and Louisiana Tech has been picked to finish in sixth place according to the head coaches in the conference.

"It is not where you are picked to finish before the season begins, but where you finish when the season concludes," Tech head coach Wade Simoneaux said. "In 2007, we were picked to finish third, but we were right near the top of the conference toward the end of the season. Last year, we were picked to finish second.

"Right now, we will continue to work hard and prepare the best we can for the upcoming season."

After winning the National Championship and WAC regular season and tournament titles in 2008, Fresno State has been picked to win the conference once again after receiving five of a possible six first place votes. San Jose is expected to finish in second place, followed by Nevada, Hawai'i, New Mexico State, Tech and Sacramento State.

The conference also released the preseason WAC Player of the Year and Pitcher of the Year selections.

Fresno State third baseman Tommy Mendonca was picked the preseason WAC Player of the Year after hitting .281 last year with 70 RBI, 19 home runs and eight doubles. Hawai'i pitcher Jared Alexander was selected the conference's preseason pitcher of the year after posting a 7-3 record with a 3.27 ERA in 2008.

This year's WAC Tournament will be held in Honolulu, Hawai'i from May 21-24 at Les Murakami Stadium. At the end of the regular season, the top six teams will advance to the tournament.

The Bulldogs will open the season against Grambling State Friday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park.

2009 WAC Baseball Coaches' Poll
1. Fresno State (5) 34
2. San Jose State (1) 29
3. Nevada 26
4. Hawai'i (1) 25
5. New Mexico State 14
6. Louisiana Tech 13
7. Sacramento State 6