The Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Softball team is used to getting preseason respect.

So, there's really no surprise to know they're nationally ranked...again.

Mike Lotief's squad is named the preseason #11 team in the USA Today/National Fastpitch Coaches' Association Poll released today.

The Cajuns (42-12 in 2015) return eight of their top nine hitters from a squad that slugged a school record 116 home runs a season ago, led by All-American catcher Lexi Elkins, who belted 32 round-trippers and knocked in 83 runs.

Louisiana will look to replace two senior pitchers who combined for 30 of those 42 wins, but second team All-Sun Belt hurler Alex Stewart (10-2, 2.09) returns along with sophomore Kylie Jo Trahan (2-1, 3.35).

The preseason poll features four Southeastern Conference schools in the nation's top five, with defending champion Florida leading the way.  Michigan is ranked second, followed by LSU, Auburn and Alabama.

The Cajuns will be looking to extend a remarkable run of four straight trips to the NCAA Super Regionals.  They will open the season the weekend of February 12-14 in Gulf Shores, AL, where they are scheduled to face Ball State, UAB, Southeast Missouri, Samford and Louisiana Tech.

The entire poll can be seen by clicking here.

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