Valparaiso University has been picked to finish in fourth place this season in the Horizon League according to the preseason poll selected by the league’s head coaches.

Head coach Tracy Woodson’s squad returns 21 letterwinners, from last year’s team, which saw the Crusaders finish 28-24 overall and 12-11 in Horizon League play in the team’s second year in the conference.  Valpo posted its highest finish in the conference yet, finishing fourth in the seven team league.

The Crusaders tallied 22 points in the preseason poll to garner a fourth place prediction, just two points behind third place Milwaukee.  Wright State was tabbed to win the league, earning six first place votes, with last year’s champion UIC picked second.  Youngstown State was selected fifth followed by Cleveland State and Butler.

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 2010 regular season on Friday, February 19 in Lake Charles, La. to begin a three-game series with McNeese State.   First pitch in the opener is set for 6:30 p.m.  The Crusaders will also host the 2010 Horizon League Baseball Championships at U.S. Steel Yard in Gary, Ind. May 26-30.