HIGH POINT, N.C. - The Coker College baseball team has been picked seventh in the 2011 Conference Carolinas standings according to the preseason coaches’ poll released Tuesday.

Ranked No. 4 in the 2011 Baseball America No. 7 in the ABCA Division II preseason polls, Mount Olive College was picked first in the conference poll receiving seven first place votes, while Erskine College was picked second and Pfeiffer University third.

This year’s Cobras are led by six senior starters, including Second Team All-Conference pitcher Matt Long. Joining the talent group of seniors will be a host of young players looking to help improve on last season’s 23-20 overall record.

Head Coach Dave Schmotzer enters his 19th year as the manger of the Cobras. Last season he earned his 500th career victory at Coker; this season he goes for 600 career victories as a head coach. Currently his record is 596-417-2 in 22 years as a head coach. Prior to his time at Coker, Schmotzer was the head coach at Union College in Kentucky.

Coker will open their 2011 campaign on Tuesday, Feb. 1 at Lander University. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. The Cobras will then return home for their first game at Tom J. New Field on Wednesday, Feb. 2 against St. Augustine’s College at 2:00 p.m.

Conference Carolinas Pre-Season Coaches Poll (First place votes in parenthesis)

1.         Mount Olive College                        (7)       49

2.         Erskine College                                (1)       39

3.         Pfeiffer University                                        34

4.         Belmont Abbey College                               30

5.         Barton College                                             25

6.         Limestone College                                        23

7.         Coker College                                               17

8.         St. Andrews Presbyterian College               7