After winning the first national championship in school history, Rogers State softball was picked to stay on top in the MIAA in the Preseason Coaches Poll, the league announced on Friday.
The Hillcats capped off a storybook season in 2022 winning the school’s first national championship after going 15-1 in the postseason and 58-10 overall with a 20-6 mark in conference play. The defending MIAA Tournament Champions totaled 161 points in the poll and received seven first place votes.
The defending MIAA regular season champion, Washburn was tabbed to finish second with 158 points and five first place votes. Central Oklahoma (151 points, two first place votes), Missouri Western (125 points) and Missouri Southern (114 points) rounded out the top five.
Central Missouri (102 points), Northeastern State (101 points), Nebraska-Kearney (86 points), Pittsburg State (69 points) and Emporia State (65 points) closed out the top 10. Fort Hays State (57 points), Northwest Missouri (37 points), Newman (35 points) and Lincoln (13 points) wrapped up the poll.
The Hillcats will begin the defense of their national championship at home on Tuesday, Feb. 7 with a doubleheader against Cameron.
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