MIAA coaches voted Missouri Western softball No. 2 in the 2014 Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Preseason Coaches’s Poll which was released Friday morning. The Griffons finished third last season with a 38-16 overall record and 20-8 MIAA record.

The Griffons received 156 points and one of the 14 first place votes, as they were behind defending National Champions Central Oklahoma who received 169 points and 13 first place votes. The Bronchos finished last season with a 51-11 overall record and 23-3 record in MIAA play.

In third place was Fort Hays State who received 138 points while Emporia State and Northeastern State sit in 4th and 5th with 130 and 115 points respectively. The Pittsburg State Gorillas come in 6th with 111 points with Central Missouri and Northwest Missouri close behind in 7th and 8th with 95 and 93 points respectively.

Sitting in the 9th spot are the Lions from Missouri Southern with 73 points. Lindenwood and Washburn are 10th and 11th with 63 and 51 points while Nebraska-Kearney, Lincoln and Southwest Baptist round out the final three spots in the poll. The Lopers sit in 12th with 40 points while Lincoln sits in 13th with 25 points and Southwest Baptist in 14th with 15 points.

The Griffons open up the 2014 season on Friday, February 7 in Durant, Okla. The Griffons will play six games in three days, participating in the Southeastern Oklahoma State South Central Shootout.

The Griffons will take on Harding University and Arkansas Tech University on Friday, February 7 at 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm. They will take on host Southeastern Oklahoma State on 10:00 am and Henderson State at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 8 and will wrap up the shootout on Sunday, February 9 with games against Drury University and Cameron University at 10:00 am and 12:00 pm.

2014 MIAA Softball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Oklahoma (13)      169
2. Missouri Western  (1)       156
3. Fort Hays State                    138
4. Emporia State                      130
5. Northeastern State             115
6. Pittsburg State                     111
7. Central Missouri                  95
8. Northwest Missouri            93
9. Missouri Southern              73
10. Lindenwood                      63
11. Washburn                         51
12. Nebraska-Kearney         40
13. Lincoln                              25
14. Southwest Baptist          15

— MWSU Sports Information —