CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. – After going 34-6, including a 13-1 mark in Skyline Conference play, Farmingdale State established itself as the top softball program in the Skyline Conference.  With all of the key pieces back from last season, it comes as little surprise that the Rams have been selected as the conference favorite again this season.

Farmingdale State is loaded with pitching.  Sophomore Hope Zino (16-3, 1.38 ERA, 165 K) earned Skyline Pitcher of the Year honors as a freshman last season.  Junior Heather Buckshaw (16-3, 1.61) was nearly as good, giving the Rams the top duo in the conference.  Junior shortstop Nicole Farber (.435, 13 HR, 43 RBI) is Farmingdale's top offensive threat and one of the top hitters in the conference.  The Rams six position players and also welcome eight freshman to an already talented team.

Polytechnic Institute of NYU was lacking in depth last season, but the Fighting Blue Jays have bolstered their lineup this season.  NYU-Poly was competitive despite playing with exactly nine players at times.  With 15 players, including seven freshman, the team shouldn't have many holes.  Seniors Ryan Graybill and Dominique Tota will lead the way.

Mount Saint Mary and Old Westbury were picked third and fourth respectively.  The Blue Knights lost a close 5-3 decision in their Skyline tournament opener to Farmingdale last season before eliminating NYU-Poly in the losers' bracket.  Mount Saint Mary has seven of its top eight hitters back from last season.  With good pitching, the Blue Knights will be a tough team to beat.

Old Westbury took a major step forward last season, going 22-14 overall and 10-4 in the conference.  Junior pitcher Deborah Ciccarelli had a breakout season last year, going 15-11 with a 1.98 ERA.  The Panthers will have to replace their top two offensive players in order to continue their climb.

2010 SKYLINE CONFERENCE 
SOFTBALL COACHES’ POLL

1. Farmingdale State   (7) 49 
2. NYU-Poly            (1) 41
3. Mount Saint Mary        32 
4. Old Westbury            30 
5. Purchase                28 
6. Mount Saint Vincent     22
7. St. Joseph's-L.I.       14
8. Sage                     8

(first-place votes in parentheses)