Jan. 22, 2009

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UTSA is expected to capture its third straight Southland Conference regular-season crown in voting by the league’s head coaches and sports information directors, and released by the conference office.

The Roadrunners were 39-19 a season ago, tying the school record for victories, and 22-8 in conference play. UTSA has 22 lettermen back, including 10 pitchers and six position starters.

Texas State and Sam Houston State tied for second in the coaches’ poll. Lamar came in second in the SID poll.

The Southland Conference played in divisions each of the past two seasons, but will return to round-robin play with the 12 teams facing each of the other 11 squads in a three-game series. The top eight teams will advance to the conference tournament May 20-23 at Whataburger Field in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Coaches’ Poll

1. UTSA (5) 110

2. Texas State (4) 106

2. Sam Houston State (2) 106

4. Lamar (1) 97

5. Northwestern State 78

6. Texas-Arlington 63

7. Southeastern Louisiana 62

8. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 57

9. Central Arkansas 36

10. Stephen F. Austin 35

11. McNeese State 28

12. Nicholls State 14

Sports Information Directors’ Poll

1. UTSA (5) 111

2. Lamar (2) 102

3. Texas State (2) 95

4. Northwestern State 83

5. Sam Houston State (3) 80

6. Texas-Arlington 64

7. Southeastern Louisiana 61

8. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 49

9. Central Arkansas 42

10. Stephen F. Austin 33

11. McNeese State 31

12. Nicholls State 19