The Missouri Western softball team moved up to 4th in the second South Central Regional poll of the 2012 season which was released Wednesday afternoon. The Griffons are 36-7 overall and 34-7 in regional play after going 4-1 in regional play last week. The Griffons are also 17th in the latest NFCA Division II Coaches Poll.

The top eight teams earn a regional bid with the first and second seeds hosting four team regionals which will be played the first weekend in May. The #1 seed will host the #8, #4 and #5 seeds while the #2 seed will host the #7, #3 and the #6 seeds. The winners of each regional will take on each other in a best of three series the second weekend in May at the highest seed for a chance to go to the elite eight.

The Griffons have been to a regional five of the last seven season (2005, 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2011) which includes being the #5 seed in 2011.

SOUTH CENTRAL
1     Angelo State         38-8     38-7
2     Emporia State         31-7     30-7
3     Central Oklahoma     34-3     34-3
4     Missouri Western State     36-7     34-7
5     Abilene Christian     28-12     27-12
6     Southeastern Oklahoma     31-14     31-14
7     Texas Woman’s         33-13     29-13
8     Tarleton State         26-17     26-17
9     West Texas A&M         30-13     27-11
10     St. Mary’s (Texas)     28-16     27-15

The Griffons return to action this weekend for a pair of non-conference doubleheaders against future MIAA foes. Western travels to Talequah, Okla. on Saturday, April 21 to take on the Northeastern State RiverHawks at 12:00 pm. Western swept the RiverHawks earlier this season by scores of 3-1 and 9-0 in Talequah on February 19. On Sunday, April 22 the Griffons wrap-up the regular season against #3 Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Okla. Game time is set for 12:00 pm.

— MWSU Sports Information —