Valparaiso University, set to play its inaugural season in the Horizon League, was predicted to finish in seventh place in the league’s 2008 preseason baseball poll.

            Head coach Tracy Woodson’s squad returns 18 letterwinners, from last year’s 22-34 season, which saw the Crusaders finish in third place in the Mid-Continent Conference, and advance to the league tournament for the first time since 2003.

            The Crusaders tallied 12 points in the preseason poll, trailing Cleveland State by one point for sixth place and Youngstown State by just two points for fifth place.  Wright State was picked to win the crown followed by UIC, which has won six consecutive Horizon League titles.  Milwaukee was tabbed third with Butler picked fourth.

            The voting, done by the league’s head coaches, awarded six points for a first place vote through one point for an sixth place vote.  Coaches could not vote for their own team.

            Valparaiso will open the 2008 regular season on Saturday, February 23 in Clarksville, Tenn. with a doubleheader against Austin Peay.  First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m.