HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- Juniata College placed fourth in the Landmark Conference 2011 baseball preseason poll, while the defending champion of the conference, Moravian College, earned the top spot, as the results of preseason voting by the Landmark's head baseball coaches and sports information directors was released Thursday. 

Juniata claimed fourth place in the poll with 35 points, after reaching the finals of the Landmark Championships last season. The Eagles went 10-8 in the conference, and graduated two first-team All-Conference performers. The team will return most of their pitching staff including All-Conference outfielder Johnny Martinez (Mount Union, Pa./Mount Union). 

Moravian collected 57 points for first place and brings back ten starters from the team that set a new-program record for wins, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. 

The Catholic University of America came in a close second with 53 points, after winning 22 games overall last season and earning a third-straight Landmark postseason berth. Susquehanna came in third place with 47 points, after finishing 21-19 overall and 12-6 in conference play last season.

The University of Scranton fell three points behind Juniata in the poll and had an even 9-9 record in the conference last year.  Drew University collected 17 points for sixth place, while the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy rounded out the poll. 

Juniata opens its 2011 campaign on Sunday, March 6 in Lakeland, Fla. in a double header versus Hiram College at 11:00 a.m.

The complete poll is listed below:

LANDMARK CONFERENCE

2009 Preseason Women's Soccer Poll

1. Moravian College – 57 pts.

2. The Catholic University of America – 53 pts.

3. Susquehanna University – 47 pts.

4. Juniata College – 35 pts.

5. The University of Scranton – 32 pts.

6. Drew University – 17 pts.

7. U.S. Merchant Marine Academy – 11 pts.

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