By Mike Anderson, NKU Sports Information

INDIANAPOLIS – The Northern Kentucky University baseball team has been picked to win the Great Lakes Valley Conference East Division. The Norse received four of a possible six first-place votes from the league’s coaches.

NKU (27-26 overall, 22-16 GLVC last season) finished with 34 points in the poll. Saint Joseph’s received two first-place votes and 29 points to finish second in the voting. Indianapolis claimed the final first-place vote and was picked third in the poll with 26 points. Bellarmine stands fourth with 24 total votes.

Wisconsin-Parkside, Kentucky Wesleyan and Lewis rounded out the East Division preseason poll.

Southern Indiana was selected to win the GLVC West division with 34 total points, including four first-place votes. Southern Illinois at Edwardsville, playing its final season in the GLVC, was selected second with the remaining three first-place votes. Defending champion Drury was chosen third, while Rockhurst, Quincy, Missouri-St. Louis and Missouri S&T rounded out the West division selections.

GLVC play will have two significant changes from last year’s table, with the league splitting into East and West divisions, culminating in an eight-team double-elimination tournament. Also, the GLVC will return to aluminum bats in conference play for the first time in 10 years.

The Norse open the season Feb. 23 when they host Grand Valley State. NKU will host Kentucky Wesleyan March 29-30 to open GLVC play.

2008 Great Lakes Valley Conference Baseball Preseason Poll