Feb. 8, 2012

Fresno State is favorite in tight WAC preseason poll

Fresno State has claimed the top spot in the 2012 Western Athletic Conference Preseason Poll, in voting by the league’s head coaches and released by the conference office.

The Bulldogs narrowly edged San Jose State for first. Fresno State received four first-place votes and 33 points to nip the Spartans, who garnered the remaining three first-place votes and 31 points. The Bulldogs have won five of the past six WAC regular season crowns. Hawaii held third, while Nevada and New Mexico State tied for fourth. Louisiana Tech came in sixth, followed by Sacramento State.

The 50th WAC baseball season begins on Friday, Feb. 17 with all seven teams in action. Conference play starts the first week in April, with the key series being Fresno State at Hawaii. The top six teams will advance to the 2012 WAC Tournament, which will be held May 23-27 at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Ariz.

2012 WAC Preseason Coaches Poll

Team, Points (First Place) (2011 WAC, Overall Records)

1. Fresno State, 33 (4) (17-7, 40-16)
2. San Jose State, 31 (3) (11-13, 35-26)
3. Hawaii, 29 (17-7, 34-25)
t4. Nevada, 17 (12-12, 24-31)
t4. New Mexico State, 17 (9-15, 34-24)
6. Louisiana Tech, 14 (12-12, 34-27)
7. Sacramento State, 6 (6-18, 19-39)