Jayhawks Selected Fifth in Preseason Big 12 Poll

2015 Big 12 Preseason Poll
Team  Points
1. Oklahoma 36
2. Baylor 30
3. Texas 27
4. Oklahoma State 19
5. Kansas 17
6. Iowa State 9
6. Texas Tech 9

IRVING, Texas – Kansas softball was selected to finish the 2015 conference slate in fifth place as voted on by the Big 12 head coaches, which was announced Wednesday afternoon by the league.

Coming off of their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2006, the Jayhawks concluded the 2014 season with a 34-23 record, marking the fourth-straight year that KU has posted a 30-win season under head coach Megan Smith. Under Smith’s guidance, Kansas also recorded its highest RPI score (39) since 2008 when the Jayhawks had a RPI mark of 45.

The reigning Big 12 Champion and Women’s College World Series participant Oklahoma was selected to finish first in conference action after garnering six-of-seven first-place votes and a total of 36 points. Baylor, who also advanced to the 2014 Women’s College Series, received the seventh first-place vote and was tabbed to finish second in the league with 30 points. Texas claimed the third spot tallying 27 points, while Oklahoma State received 19 points and was selected in fourth place. Kansas (17), Iowa State (9) and Texas Tech (9) rounded out the preseason poll.  

Smith, who is entering her sixth season at the helm of the Jayhawk softball program, fields a roster that features 13 veterans, including two 2014 All-Big 12 selections in Maddie Stein and Chaley Brickey, and nine rookies in 2015. Adding to its strong group of returners, Kansas welcomes seven freshmen and two transfers.
 
Kansas kicks off the 2015 season against LIU-Brooklyn at the Florida Atlantic Tournament on Feb. 6, the first of 25 road games before opening the home portion of the schedule against Northern Colorado in the Jayhawk Invitational on March 13. All KU home games will be played at the new Arrocha Ballpark at Rock Chalk Park.

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