Western picked to win MIAA softball title; baseball selected third

MIAA coaches have planted expectations on Missouri Western’s baseball and softball teams for. Griffon softball was picked to win its second straight conference crown, and Western’s baseball team was picked third in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Polls.

After winning its first-ever MIAA Championship in 2011, the softball team received 98 total points and eight of 11 first place votes from the conference coaches. The Griffons will begin the season ranked 23rd in the preseason NFCA poll. Last year Western finished 40-15, making its fifth NCAA Tournament appearance in the last seven years. Head coach Jen Bagley was named MIAA Co-Coach of the Year.

Griffon baseball received 74 points, one more than fourth place Fort Hays. Western finished 26-25 in 2011, making it to the MIAA Tournament once again. The Griffons won the program’s first ever conference tournament game last season and look to improve on last season’s success with an experienced and talented roster.

The softball team will open up on Friday, February 10 when they take on Henderson State University and Ouachita Baptist. Game times are set for 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm respectively in Arkadelphia, Ark. The baseball team will open up on Saturday, February 18 with a double header against North Alabama in Florence, Ala. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 pm.

2012 MIAA Softball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Missouri Western (8) – 98 pts.
2. Emporia State (3) – 93 pts.
3. Missouri Southern – 73 pts.
4. Central Missouri – 67 pts.
5. Northwest Missouri – 66 pts.
6. Fort Hays State – 65 pts.
7. Truman – 39 pts.
T8. Pittsburg State – 33 pts.
T8. Washburn – 33 pts.
10. Lincoln – 28 pts.
11. Southwest Baptist – 10 pts.

2012 MIAA Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Missouri (9) – 99 pts.
2. Emporia State (2) – 92 pts.
3. Missouri Western – 74 pts.
4. Fort Hays State – 73 pts.
5. Missouri Southern – 63 pts.
6. Washburn – 56 pts.
7. Northwest Missouri – 49 pts.
8. Pittsburg State – 37 pts.
9. Truman – 31 pts.
10. Lincoln – 19 pts.
11. Southwest Baptist – 12 pts.

— MWSU Sports Information —