Kansas Picked to Finish Sixth in the Big 12

Jan. 18, 2007

DALLAS –

The University of Kansas softball team was picked to finish sixth in the Big 12 Conference in 2007, the league office announced Thursday. Texas A&M is the Big 12 softball coaches’ preseason favorite to win the league title for the second-straight season.

The Aggies (80 points) received eight of the possible 10 first-place votes to edge out second-place Baylor, which earned 69 points, including one first-place tally. Nebraska was ranked third followed by Oklahoma, defending-conference champion Texas, and 2006 postseason winner Kansas. Filling the remaining spots in the preseason poll were Oklahoma State, Missouri, Texas Tech and Iowa State, respectively.

A&M returns 12 letterwinners, including eight position starters and three pitchers, from its 2006 squad. The team finished fourth in the Big 12 race after posting an 11-6 mark in league action and a 34-19 overall record. Highlighting the `07 roster are All-Big 12 First Team honorees Amanda Scarborough and Jamie Hinshaw in addition to second team members Sharonda McDonald and Megan Gibson. Last season, Scarborough and Gibson were tabbed National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Americans.

Kansas returns 10 letterwinners to its 2007 roster, including senior All-Big 12 pitcher Kassie Humphreys, and welcomes eight newcomers to the squad. The Jayhawks, who finished tied for fifth in the league and claimed their first-ever Big 12 postseason championship last year, returned to the NCAA Regional play for the second consecutive season and finished 36-26 overall in 2006.

The Big 12 softball season gets underway on Thursday, Feb. 8 with KU and NU scheduled to open their seasons.

2007 Big 12 Softball Preseason Coaches Poll

Team (first-place votes)
1. Texas A&M (8)
2. Baylor (1)
3. Nebraska
4. Oklahoma (1)
5. Texas
6. Kansas
7. Oklahoma State
8. Missouri
9. Texas Tech
10. Iowa State

**Points were awarded nine for first, eight for second, etc.**

-KU-