Preseason OVC poll has Hawks stranded at second

The Ohio Valley Conference preseason baseball poll released Tuesday did not surprise Southeast Missouri State University coach Mark Hogan very much.

In a close race based on voting by the league's 10 head coaches, two-time defending regular-season champion Austin Peay edged out Southeast for the top spot, with Jacksonville State a close third.

"It's kind of what I expected, based on what happened last year and what the teams have coming back," Hogan said.

Austin Peay (35-21, 20-7 OVC in 2004), which returns seven position starters and five pitchers, received 75 total points and four first-place votes.

Southeast (29-28, 15-11), which returns seven position regulars and six pitchers, grabbed 70 points and four first-place votes.

Jacksonville State (31-29, 16-11), which beat Southeast in last year's OVC tournament championship game, nabbed 65 points and picked up the remaining two first-place votes.

Eastern Illinois was selected fourth with 57 points, followed by Eastern Kentucky (55) and Samford (45). Murray State and Tennessee Tech tied for seventh (29), followed by Tennessee-Martin (16) and Morehead State (12).

"Based on what we have coming back and the finish we had last year, I'm not surprised we got picked second," said Hogan, whose squad tied for fourth in the OVC's regular season and lost early in the league tournament before bouncing back and advancing to the finals.

Added Hogan, who was not allowed to vote for his own squad: "I certainly picked Austin Peay because of the pitchers they have coming back. And there are several other solid teams. I think it will be a dogfight."

Southeast has been practicing since Jan. 12, as the Redhawks gear up for their season opener Feb. 11 at Tulane, which is ranked first nationally by Baseball America. Southeast and Tulane will play a three-game series.

The Redhawks have their first home game March 2 against St. Louis University and begin their OVC schedule March 25 at Murray State.

"I'm pleased with the way everything is going so far," Hogan said. "We're healthy, and we've had several days where we've been able to get outside. Our pitchers' arms are coming around.

"I really like the club and the way we're working. It should be an exciting season."