If you believe the ACC's softball coaches, it's going to be another long year for the Eagles' softball team. The Boston College softball team was selected to finish eighth (last) in this year's ACC Preseason Coaches' Poll as announced by the conference late last week.

North Carolina is the preseason favorite in 2013, edging out Florida State by a single vote. The Heels received four first place votes. Florida State received three first place votes while 2012 ACC tournament champion Georgia Tech claimed the other first place vote.

Virginia Tech (31 votes), Virginia (23), N.C. State (20), Maryland (14) and Boston College (9) round out the poll.

2013 ACC Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. North Carolina (4) 45 -- 43-15 (13-4 ACC)
2. Florida State (3) 44 -- 47-16 (16-5)
3. Georgia Tech (1) 38 -- 37-23 (12-8)
4. Virginia Tech 31 -- 42-21 (12-8)
5. Virginia 23 -- 26-25 (8-13)
6. N.C. State 20 -- 23-31 (5-15)
7. Maryland 14 -- 34-22 (10-8)
8. Boston College 9 -- 23-30 (3-18)

The 2013 season begins later this month when the Eagles compete in the UT-Chattanooga Tournament against Missouri State and Miami (Ohio) in a season opening doubleheader.

You can make the case that no other Boston College varsity program has been as affected by the conference switch than the softball program. The ACC represents a huge step up in competition as evidenced by the program's struggles in their new conference home. After compiling a 132-106-1 record in 14 seasons in the Big East, the Eagles are just 31-110 in seven seasons in the ACC, and 141-215 overall.

Cue the "Boston College should have stayed in the Big East" guy in 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... (hand motions 2 and 1) ...