LOS ANGELES – The Loyola Marymount University softball team has been picked to finish second in the West Coast Conference by the league's head coaches, announced by the conference on Wednesday. 
 
The Lions received 21 votes to place second, right behind BYU, which received 25. LMU ended its 2019 season finishing just one game behind the Cougars. The Lions put together an impressive 40-21 season and 11-4 in conference play, which led them to their NISC Regional title. 
 
Last season, LMU went 1-2 against BYU, while sweeping San Diego and Saint Mary's. San Diego was picked to finish third, with 15 points. 
 
Four key returners were selected to the 2020 All-WCC Preseason Softball Team, including, Megan Dedrick, Andrea Gonzalez, Molly Grumbo and Linnay Wilson. 
 
Grumbo led the Lions in batting average with .344, while Gonzalez finished second on the team with .301 and Dedrick third with .315. 
 
Grumbo also led the Lions in runs and hits with 38 and 65, respectively. Gonzalez was second on the team for hits and first in RBIs, with 61 and 34. Dedrick was third on the team in putouts and assists, with 93 and 84. Wilson and a 3.30 ERA on the season and went 7-2 with three saves. 
 
The Lions will open their 2020 season on Friday February 7 against San Jose State University at the Cal State Fullerton Titan Classic. LMU's first home game will be on February 21 against Sacramento State for the LMU Tournament. 
 
2020 WEST COAST CONFERENCE SOFTBALL PRESEASON POLL
Team (First Place Votes)   Points
1. BYU (5)                                 25
2. LMU (1)                                 21
3. San Diego                             15
T4. Pacific                                 10
T4. Santa Clara                         10
6. Saint Mary's                            9
 
2020 ALL-WCC PRESEASON SOFTBALL TEAM
Sophia Bjerk, Soph., 3B, San Diego
Marissa Chavez, Jr., SS, BYU
Megan Dedrick, Jr., SS, LMU
Andrea Gonzalez, Jr., 3B, LMU
Molly Grumbo, Jr., C, LMU
Rylee Jensen-McFarland, Sr., OF, BYU
Carly Lucchetti, Soph., OF, Pacific
Jessica Mabrey, Soph., C, Pacific
Hannah Russell, Sr., C, Santa Clara
Sara Silveyra, Sr., SS, San Diego
Taylei Williams, Jr., OF, BYU
 
Arissa Paulson, Jr., P, BYU
Autumn Moffat, Jr., P, BYU
Linnay Wilson, Jr., P, LMU