The Panthers received the most first place votes with eight but missed out on the top spot as they finished two points shy of Southern University.  Even though the Panthers missed out on earning top honors, sixth-year head coach Waskyla Cullivan doesn't put much stock in the polls as a variety of things can occur between now and the time the 2014 SWAC Baseball Champion is crowned in May.

Experience will be in the Panthers' favor as they return six players from last year's starting lineup including All-SWAC Preseason First Team first baseman Dominiq Harris and second team designated hitter Greg Salcido.  A four-year letterwinner, Harris led the Panthers in 2013 with a .301 average, 58 hits, eight home runs, 95 total bases while also tying for the team lead with 40 RBIs.  Salcido begins his second year in the program as he led PVAMU with 13 doubles while finishing second on the team with a .300 batting average and tying for the team lead in RBIs with 40.

On the mound, preseason All-SWAC second teamer Jonathan Mata returns as the team's ace after a productive 2013 campaign in which he led the Panthers with 53 strikeouts while holding   opposing batters to a .257 average.  Cullivan does have some holes to fill as his No. 2 and No. 3 starters from 2013 have departed but he's confident those holes will be fulfilled as the season begins.

The season kicks off this Friday as the Panthers will travel to Houston for a three-game weekend series at Houston Baptist.  Friday's opener starts at 2 p.m. followed a 1 p.m. contest on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Also, due to on-going construction at the PVAMU Baseball Stadium, all of the team's February home match-ups have been moved to Houston and will be played at the Houston Astros MLB Academy located at 2801 South Victory Drive in Houston.  The Panthers will host Texas College in a doubleheader on Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. followed by its second home series of the season against Wiley College on Feb. 26 also at 1 p.m.