Jan. 24, 2006

Columbia, Mo. - The Missouri softball team will open its 2006 campaign ranked 18th in the nation as released today in the annual ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 poll. One of six Big 12 schools ranked among the top 25, this marks the first time in five years that the Tiger softball team will begin a season in such high standing. Michigan, the 2005 Women's College World Series (WCWS) champions, earned the No. 1 spot with 16 first place votes, while UCLA earned three to stand at No. 2 followed by Tennessee in third.

Texas, who received one first place vote, leads the league, ranked No. 4 in the nation. Texas A&M follows in sixth with No. 10 Baylor, No. 13 Oklahoma, No. 18 Missouri and No. 22 Nebraska rounding out the top 25 for the conference.

The Tigers will face nine ranked opponents during the 2006 season in addition to three programs who received votes but stand just outside the top-25.

The last time the Missouri softball entered a season ranked came in 2000, where they started No. 24 in the nation.

Missouri will open the 2006 season in Atlanta, Ga., with a three-game series against No. 24 Georgia Tech, beginning Friday, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. (CST).