Jan. 28, 2009

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After three consecutive trips to the College World Series, North Carolina was selected to win the Atlantic Coast Conference crown, in voting by the league’s 12 head coaches and released by the conference office.

The Tar Heels, who were 54-14 a season ago with All-American Dustin Ackley (pictured right), received all 12 first-place votes and 72 points in the Coastal Division. UNC was voted the overall ACC favorite on 10 ballots.

Florida State earned the top spot in the Atlantic Division with eight first-place votes and 67 points. Clemson was second with the remaining four first-place votes and 61 points, followed by NC State, Wake Forest, Boston College and Maryland.

Georgia Tech was second in the Coastal Division with 56 points, followed by Miami, Virginia, Duke and Virginia Tech.

The ACC had six teams in the NCAA Tournament, with four advancing to the Super Regionals. Florida State, Miami and North Carolina reached the College World Series.

The 2009 season begins on Feb. 20. Following the regular season, the top eight teams will advance to the ACC Baseball Championship at Durham Bulls Athletic Park May 20-24.

ACC Preseason Poll

Team (first place votes) points (2008 overall, ACC records)

Atlantic Division

1. Florida State (8) 67 (54-14, 24-6)
2. Clemson (4) 61 (31-27-1, 11-18-1)
3. NC State 50 (42-22, 18-11)
4. Wake Forest 33 (25-31, 13-16)
5. Boston College 25 (26-27, 9-21)
6. Maryland 16 (30-26, 9-21)
 

Coastal Division

1. North Carolina (12) 72 (55-13, 22-7)
2. Georgia Tech 56 (41-21, 16-14)
3. Miami 49 (53-11, 23-5)
4. Virginia 34 (39-23, 15-15)
5. Duke 24 (37-18-1, 10-18-1)
6. Virginia Tech 17 (23-32, 6-24)

Overall champion: North Carolina (10)

 (photo courtesy of UNC Media Relations Office)