ST. JOSEPH – MIAA Softball Coaches have released their preseason poll and Missouri Western is picked to finish fourth in the league.

The Griffons did receive one first place vote and 142 overall. Just 15 votes separated Missouri Western and top-vote getter Central Oklahoma (157). Pittsburg State was picked second after receiving more first place votes (6) than any other program. Central Missouri, which won the MIAA Regular Season and Tournament Championships in 2015 was picked third.

Missouri Western was picked No. 16 in the NFCA Preseason Coaches’ Poll, the only MIAA member to appear in the top-25. Last season, MWSU went 36-21, 17-9 in the MIAA. The Griffons posted the third best record in conference play but finished fourth in the standings due to a second place tie between Central Oklahoma and Pittsburg State. Seven starters return to this year’s team and nine letter winners. Last year marked head coach Jen Bagley’s 10th 30-win season in her 14 years at MWSU. She enters her 15th season in St. Joseph just 10 wins away from 500 for her career.

2016 MIAA Softball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Oklahoma (4)  – 157
2. Pittsburg State (6) – 154
3. Central Missouri (3) – 149
4. Missouri Western (1)  – 142
5. Northwest Missouri  – 111
6. Emporia State – 106
7. Washburn – 96
8. Fort Hays State – 92
9. Northeastern State – 76
10. Nebraska-Kearney – 57
11. Southwest Baptist – 52
12. Missouri Southern – 35
13. Lindenwood – 34
14. Lincoln – 13

— MWSU Athletics —