Kansas Tabbed Fourth by Big 12 Coaches

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas softball was selected to finish fourth in 2016 by the Big 12 Conference coaches as announced by the league office Wednesday afternoon.
 
The fourth-place pick ties Kansas’ highest preseason conference ranking since 2014, when KU was also voted to conclude conference play fourth. Prior to 2014, the best preseason mark by the Jayhawks was in the 2002 season when Kansas was also slated fourth.

2016 Preseason Big 12 Poll
Date Points
Oklahoma 35 (5)
Baylor 32 (2)
Texas 26
Kansas 20
Oklahoma State 14
Texas Tech 13
Iowa State 7

Additionally, KU’s 20 points in Wednesday’s poll is the best preseason point total since garnering 25 points prior to the 2009 season.
 
Oklahoma was selected to finish first after receiving five of seven first-place votes and a total of 35 points. Baylor received 32 points, including two first-place votes, coming in second behind the Sooners. Texas claimed third with 26 points, while Kansas (20) landed in fourth. Oklahoma State (14), Texas Tech (13), and Iowa State (7) rounded out this year’s preseason poll.
 
KU welcomes eight other newcomers to the squad for 2016 while returning 16 letterwinners and seven starters who helped the Jayhawks to their second-straight NCAA Tournament appearance last season. Among those returning to the diamond in Crimson and Blue are All-Big 12 First Team selection Chaley Brickey and Big 12 co-Freshman of the Year Daniella Chavez.
    
Up Next
Kansas softball opens its 2016 campaign in Florida at the Jacksonville Invitational Feb. 12-14, hosted by Jacksonville University. The Jayhawks will play a total of five games during the first weekend of the year against North Carolina State, Jacksonville, Coastal Carolina and North Carolina-Greensboro.
 
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