LA GRANDE — La Grande starts its march toward a state title just outside the top five 4A teams in the state, according to voting of the state’s softball coaches.

In the preseason coaches poll released by the Oregon School Activities Association on Tuesday, March 12, the Tigers start the year ranked sixth among the state’s 4A teams.

The coaches like The Dalles/Dufur to be state champions with Scappoose ranked second. A 4A Greater Oregon League opponent, Pendleton, is picked third in the voting. Henley and Astoria round out the top-five teams, according to the state’s coaches.

In the 2A/1A poll, Union/Cove did receive votes but not enough to crack the top 10.

La Grande opens the season on March 14 at home against Wallowa Valley with game time scheduled for 3 p.m. The Outlaws are ranked 10th in the preseason poll for 3A teams.

Union/Cove will start its season on March 19 with a trip to Nyssa to take on the 3A Bulldogs.