LIVINGSTON, Ala. – With the opening pitch of the 2012 baseball season just over a week away, the Gulf South Conference released its preseason rankings as well as all-conference selections for the upcoming year with West Alabama earning a fifth-place spot in the standings.

Voted on by head coaches throughout the conference, UWA was picked ahead of Alabama-Huntsville, West Georgia and Christian Brothers, while being selected just under first-place selection West Florida, second-place pick North Alabama, and third and fourth place selections Delta State and Valdosta State.

UWA received a total of 26 points in the preseason poll, garnering one second-place pick as well as three fourth-place, two fifth-place, and one sixth-place vote. The top vote-getters were West Florida and North Alabama who each received 44 total points in the rankings. UWF had four first-place votes, while the Lions had three.

Also earning recognition in the preseason release was Tiger centerfielder Ladarrius Cole who was named to the All-GSC Team. The 5'9'' senior from Shannon, Miss., returns to the UWA lineup after a stellar 2011 season. Cole was second on the team with a .355 hitting percentage a season ago, while leading the team in runs scored (47), hits (59), and stolen bases (21).

“Ladarrius is well deserving of this honor.  He is a five tool player and a terrific person to be around," said Head Coach Gary Rundles. “I look for Ladarrius to have a big year, and if he does our team may be able to rise above their preseason selected spot.”

The conference also selected the top newcomers for the year with Tigers Brett Ivey, Matthew Magee, and D.J. Turo each being named one of the players to watch for the 2012 season.

UWA opens the season next Wednesday, Feb. 1 when Coach Rundles' squad travels to Birmingham, Ala., to face Miles College at Noon.

Fans can follow the Tigers in every Gulf South Conference game by listening to ESPN 104.9 or by logging onto uwaathletics.com. You can also keep up-to-date with UWA baseball by going to the official Facebook page of the Tigers (UWAAthletics) or by following the Red and White on Twitter (@uwa_baseball).