KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The University of Central Oklahoma softball team was picked second in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association Preseason Coaches' Poll, the league announced Wednesday.
The Bronchos received two first-place votes and a total of 151 points. Defending regular season champion Washburn was picked first.
SEE THE COMPLETE POLL HERE
Central Oklahoma finished third in the MIAA last season and made a run to the MIAA Postseason Tournament final before having its season ended there.
UCO returns 10 letter winners from last year's squad that won 34 games. That includes three-time All-MIAA selection JoBi Heath, and two-time All-MIAA selection Carli Jones. The Bronchos have also added nine newcomers to this year's squad.
UCO head coach Cody White enters his fifth year at the helm. He has a 204-90 overall record in four seasons leading the Bronchos, including three NCAA regional appearances and an MIAA championship in 2017. White was an assistant six years ago when Central Oklahoma won the NCAA Division II national championship.
The Bronchos open the 2019 season Friday, Feb. 1 in Houston, Texas. UCO will take on Texas Woman's, Texas A&M International, West Texas A&M, Arkansas Tech (which is hosting the festival), and Texas A&M Commerce over the course of this upcoming weekend.
UCO makes its 2019 home debut the following week, hosting the Raising Cane's Edmond Festival at Broncho Softball Stadium beginning Friday, Feb. 8.
2019 MIAA Preseason Softball Coaches' Poll
(First-place votes in parentheses)
1. Washburn (11), 162 points
2. Central Oklahoma (2), 151
3. Central Missouri, 141
4. Northwest Missouri, 133
5. Missouri Western, 113
6. Northeastern State, 111
7. Lindenwood, 103
8. Emporia State (1), 93
9. Pittsburg State, 65
10. Missouri Southern, 58
11. Nebraska Kearney, 57
12. Fort Hays State, 46
13. Southwest Baptist, 28
14. Lincoln, 13
