From LBSU reports

The Long Beach State softball team is ranked No. 24 in the 2009 USA Today/NFCA preseason poll.  The 49ers received 108 points, finishing ahead of San Diego State and just behind Western Athletic Conference foe Nevada (157). Florida was tabbed as the favorite with 14 first-place votes and 728 total points and was followed by defending national champion Arizona State (15 first-place votes, 691 points). Rounding out the top five were Alabama (678), UCLA (638) and Texas A&M (553).

LBSU returns 13 letterwinners from a 2008 squad that finished the campaign with a 40-17 mark, claimed its sixth Big West Conference title and made its 18th NCAA appearance.

Back in the circle for The Beach will be sophomore All-American pitcher Brooke Turner, who established single-season records in wins (27), shutouts (17) and strikeouts (237) last season.  Brooke will be competing against her own records on her way to what could end as one of the most decorated careers in school history.  Also returning for the 49ers are all-conference selections Danielle Linke, Jennifer Griffin and Bridgette Pagano.

Long Beach State will open its season on Feb. 6 against No. 22 Georgia at the Cathedral City Classic.

2009 USA Today/NFCA Preseason Poll

1.  Florida (14)        728

2.  Arizona State (15)  691

3.  Alabama             678

4.  UCLA                638

5.  Texas A&M           553

6.  Louisiana (1)       544

7.  Arizona             542

8.  Michigan            527

9.  Northwestern        511

10. Oklahoma            498

11. Stanford            456

12. Tennessee           302

13. Houston             285

14. Fresno State        280

15. DePaul              279

16. Missouri            270

17. California          255

18. North Carolina      222

19. LSU                 210

20. Virginia Tech       201

21. Washington          193

22. Georgia             169

23. Nevada              157

24. Long Beach State    108

25. San Diego State     99