Jan. 16, 2009

Columbia, Mo. – The Missouri softball team was selected second in the annual Big 12 Preseason Coaches poll, its highest finish in program history.  The Tigers garnered 68 points, while Oklahoma was the unanimous No. 1 selection with 81 points.  The 2008 Big 12 Champion Texas A&M Aggies finished third in the poll with 60 points.  

 

The Tigers, led by Head Coach Ehren Earleywine, finished the 2008 season with a 47-17 record that included the programs' first NCAA Regional title in 14 years. Eighteen members of last year's squad return for 2009 including four All-Midwest Region honorees, six All-Big 12 selections and All-American outfielder Rhea Taylor.  Taylor finished her first season at Missouri as the 2008 Big 12 Freshman of the Year and set a new Big 12 and Missouri single season stolen base record at 57. 

 

Missouri pitchers Stacy Delaney and Jana Hainey will return to the circle. Joining them will be freshmen Chelsea Thomas and Kristin Nottelmann.  The 2009 Tiger team is 22-members strong and includes four freshmen.

 

Missouri is set to open its season Feb. 14 at the Georgia State Tournament in Atlanta, Ga.  Throughout the 52-game regular season schedule, Missouri will go head-to-head with 33 different teams, including five first-time opponents.

 

2009 Big 12 CONFERENCE Softball Preseason Coaches Poll

Team (first-place votes)           Points

1. Oklahoma (9)                       81

2. Missouri (1)                           68

3. Texas A&M                           60

4. Texas                                   58

5. Nebraska                              46        

6. Baylor                                  44

7. Oklahoma State                   40        

8. Kansas                                 25

9. Texas Tech                          15

10. Iowa State                          13

 

**Points were awarded nine for first, eight for second, etc.

Coaches were not allowed to vote for their teams.