Softball season begins in February and the Stars are already No. 1.
The Stars are ranked No.1 in the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics softball coaches’ preseason poll.
The preseason poll determined the top 25 teams and was voted upon by a panel of head coaches representing each of the conferences and the Association of Independent Institutions, according to NAIA.org.
The team won the national championship last year for the second consecutive year and have 10 championship wins overall.
The team finished the year with a 68-1 record, establishing a new NAIA record, according to NAIA.org.
Junior Catcher Jaci Smith said the team still will have to work hard.
“It’s an honor for our team to be ranked the top in the NAIA going into the 2018 season, but I don’t think we should settle there,” she said. “We are going to have to keep working hard.”
The Stars also are favored to win the Sooner Athletic Conference in May, according to the coaches’ preseason poll.
Junior Pitcher Georgia Wall said she’s excited for the season.
“I’m very humbled that we won last year, and I’m excited to see how this season turns out. We lost six starters, so it will be different, but I have faith that everything will work out for a three-peat,” she said.
The season starts with the Cowtown Classic from Feb. 9-10 in Fort Worth.
The team’s first home games will be against Oklahoma Panhandle State University at 5 and 7 p.m. March 8 in Ann Lacy Stadium.
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