AUGUSTA, Ga. – After a 31-22 season a year ago, the University of North Georgia baseball was pocked to finish fifth in the Peach Belt Preseason Poll, the league announced Friday. Columbus State was tabbed as the favorite to win the league after falling in the national championship game a year ago.

The Nighthawks return two preseason All-Conference players in Andres Perez and Parker Morrison. Both were also named preseason All-Region. UNG returns a pitcher with 2018 All-Conference honoree Cade Heil back for his sophomore campaign.

Columbus State garnered eight of a possible 10 first place votes, followed by Georgia College, UNC Pembroke. USC Aiken was picked fourth.

North Georgia will open play in the 2019 season on the road at Florida Tech Feb. 1. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.