Southern softball picked 11th in preseason MIAA Coaches Poll

Kansas City, Mo. -- The Missouri Southern softball team has been picked to finish 11th in the 2013 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, the league announced today. 

Southern is coming off a a 16-35 record from a season ago, but the Lions return to the lineup 2011 All-MIAA selection in junior Dawn Grass. Grass was an honorable-mention selection in 2011 as she tied the school record with nine home runs in a single season. She currently sits just three home runs from tying the career record of 19 held by Angie Turner. 

The Lions return five starters and nine letterwinners from last season. 

Emporia State was picked to win the league, followed by MIAA newcomer Central Oklahoma at No. 2. Missouri Western was third, followed by Fort Hays State and Pittsburg State to round out the top five. Central Missouri was sixth, followed by Washburn, Northwest Missouri, Northeastern State, Nebraska-Kearney, Southern, Truman, Lindenwood, Lincoln and Southwest Baptist. 

The Lions start the 2013 season on February 8 playing at the Central Regional Crossover in Durant, Okla. 

2013 MIAA Softball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Emporia State (12)             194
2. Central Oklahoma (3)         177
3. Missouri Western                176
4. Fort Hays State                   153
5. Pittsburg State                    143
6. Central Missouri                  128
7. Washburn                            103
8. Northwest Missouri               92
9. Northeastern State               83
10. Nebraska-Kearney             81
11. Missouri Southern           77
12. Truman                              68
13. Lindenwood                       52
14. Lincoln                               25
15. Southwest Baptist              23