Fresno State pitcher Morgan Melloh, a former Hamilton Southeastern High School star and Indiana Miss Softball, has been named pre-season Pitcher of the Year in the Western Athletic Conference in vote of the league's coaches.

"I can't say enough about what Morgan (means) to our program and to the entire conference," coach Margie Wright said in a press release from California State University, Fresno. "(She has) represented Fresno State athletically and academically and I'm very proud of (her) and it's great to see the other members of this conference are able to recognize that as well."

Melloh was the conference's Freshman and Pitcher of the Year last season after posting a 42-9 record with 3 saves, a 1.28 ERA with 20 shutouts and 454 strikeouts in 3601/3innings. She led the WAC in six statistical categories and was second nationally in wins.

Fresno State was selected to win its 21st conference championship, the 12th time in the past 14 seasons the Bulldogs have been favored. Fresno State opens its season on Feb. 6 against Wisconsin in the Cathedral City Classic.