580 
Nate Lape of Marshall has been named the C-USA preseason player of the year.
Coming off a third consecutive trip to the College World Series, Rice has been selected as the preseason favorite in the 2009 Conference USA baseball poll, chosen by the league’s nine head coaches. Rice is ranked as high as No. 3 in the preseason national rankings as the Owls look for a 14th consecutive conference title.
Preseason Player of the Year honors were given to Marshall senior OF Nate Lape, who helped lead the Thundering Herd to its highest win total (30) as a Division I member last season.
For full poll and all-conference honors, click here.
