Auburn junior outfielder Mike Bianucci has been named a third-team preseason All-American by Baseball America and a second-team preseason pick by Rivals.com.

It is the third time the Fairfax, Va., native has received such honors this season. In December, Bianucci was named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Preseason All-America Second Team.

Bianucci enters his junior campaign with a career .343 batting average and 22 home runs at Auburn. Last season, Bianucci hit .326 with 14 home runs and 51 runs batted in en route to being voted to the All-Southeastern Conference team for a second consecutive season.

Baseball America annually polls scouting directors to vote on the team and make their selections based on performance, talent and major league potential.

Auburn opens its 2008 season on Feb. 22, at 3 p.m. against East Tennessee State at Plainsman Park.

Women’s tennis hosts Georgia State
The No. 29 Auburn women’s tennis team (4-1) will host the Georgia State Panthers on today at 3 p.m. in the Yarbrough Tennis Complex.

The Tigers lead the series with the Panthers 3-0. Auburn last met with Georgia State in 2006. The Tigers prevailed 6-1. Auburn’s other two wins came in 2004, 6-1, and in 1981, 9-0.

The match is open to the public and admission is free.