ST. JOSEPH – The Missouri Western softball team is back in the top 25 as the Griffons (26-10, 11-3) sit at No. 22 in the latest edition of the NFCA Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll.

The Griffons began the season at No. 16 in the preseason poll, but dropped out after a 2-2 opening weekend. Missouri Western is 16-4 in its last 20 games, including a doubleheader split at then No. 16 Northwest Missouri State on Tuesday. The run has also included a doubleheader sweep of then No. 12 Central Oklahoma, a doubleheader sweep at 2015 MIAA Champion Central Missouri and win over current No. 17 Winona State.

Missouri Western is now the only MIAA school ranked in the top-25. Northwest Missouri dropped out this week, but is still receiving votes along with MIAA leading Pittsburg State. The Griffons are in second place in the conference standings. This weekend the team hosts Fort Hays State (13-20, 7-9) on Saturday and Nebraska-Kearney (14-20, 5-11) on Sunday.

— MWSU Athletics —