EUNICE, La. – For the fifth time in the program's history, LSU Eunice has been ranked number one by Collegiate Baseball in the publication's preseason poll, the organization announced this week. The top 20 rankings are voted on by the NJCAA Baseball Coaches Association.
LSUE is just ahead of Parkland College, the team the Bengals defeated in the NJCAA Division II World Series to capture the 2018 National Championship. The top seven teams in the preseason poll all participated in last year's World Series. The Bengals are joined by two Region 23 opponents – Meridian (8th) and Jones College (15th).
The top billing is the first time since 2016 the Bengals have scored a number one ranking in the preseason poll. LSUE also sat atop the poll in 2013, 2009, and 2007.
LSUE welcomes back six regular starters including top returning hitter Slate Fuller (.347 batting average). Andrew Sheridan (11-0, 2.44 ERA), Dane Dixon (5-1, 2.01 ERA) and Landon Clifton (11 saves, 1.46 ERA) will lead the Bengals pitching staff. LSUE welcomes 23 freshmen to this year's squad.
The Bengals open the 2019 season on January 25 with a weekend series against North Lake College. The full schedule will be released at a later date. For more LSU Eunice baseball news and information, fans can also follow the baseball team's Twitter (@LSUEBengalsBSB), Facebook (@LSUEBaseball) and Instagram (@LSUEBengals) accounts.
2019 Collegiate Baseball Newspaper NJCAA Div. II Preseason Poll
| Rank |
Team (State) |
| 1. |
LSU-Eunice (LA) |
| 2. |
Parkland (IL) |
| 3. |
Northern Oklahoma-Enid (OK) |
| 4. |
Scottsdale (AZ) |
| 5. |
Sinclair (OH) |
| 6. |
Madison (WI) |
| 7. |
Brunswick (NC) |
| 8. |
Meridian (MS) |
| 9. |
Kirkwood (IA) |
| 10. |
Kellogg (MI) |
| 11. |
Mesa (AZ) |
| 12. |
Kankakee (IL) |
| 13. |
Pearl River (MS) |
| 14. |
Heartland (IL) |
| 15. |
Jones College (MS) |
| 16. |
Murray St. (OK) |
| 17. |
Pitt (NC) |
| 18. |
Southeastern (IA) |
| 19. |
Monroe (NY) |
| 20. |
CCBC Essex (MD) |
