IRVING, Texas (January 18, 2018) – Following its record-breaking 46-win season, FIU landed Shannon Saile (Land O'Lakes, Florida / Land O'Lakes HS) as the 2018 Conference USA Preseason Pitcher of the Year, while she and rising junior Jackie Schoff (Bradenton, Florida / Lakewood Ranch HS) landed on the Preseason All-Conference Team.
Defending tournament champion Louisiana Tech was picked to finish first by the league's head coaches, with FIU a close second, despite having more first-place votes than the Lady Techsters.
Saile is a year removed from Conference USA Freshman of the Year, First-Team All-C-USA and All-Freshman recognition.