Kansas picked fifth in Big 12 Preseason Poll

IRVING, Texas – With a month to go until the 2017 softball season begins, Kansas was selected to finish the Big 12 Conference slate in fifth place, as voted on by the league coaches.
 
Wednesday’s announcement of KU’s fifth-place pick is one spot lower than the Jayhawks highest preseason conference ranking, set last year when Kansas was selected to conclude Big 12 play in fourth. Prior to 2014, the best preseason mark by the Jayhawks was in the 2002 season when Kansas was also slated fourth.
 
Oklahoma was selected to finish first after receiving six of seven first-place votes and a total of 36 points. Texas received 30 points, including a first-place vote, coming in second behind the Sooners. Baylor claimed third with 26 points, while Oklahoma State (22) landed in fourth. Kansas (14), Texas Tech (13), and Iowa State (6) rounded out this year’s preseason poll.

In 2017, KU returns six starters and 13 letterwinners from last season, while welcoming nine newcomers, including a pair of transfers. Among those returning is All-Big 12 Freshman Team member Alexis Reid, who posted a victory in the circle over nationally-ranked Oklahoma on the road last spring.
 
Up Next
Kansas softball opens its 2017 campaign in Florida at the Stetson Tournament, Feb. 10-12. The Jayhawks will play a total of five games during the first weekend of the year against Akron, Savannah State and Stetson.
 
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