Fort Hays State Softball was picked eighth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released on Thursday (Jan. 28). Fort Hays State is picked in the same position it finished in the regular season last year when it went 14-12 in conference play.
The Tigers enter their second year under head coach Adrian Mohr’s guidance. FHSU finished with an overall record of 26-27 in 2015 but continued its run of making the MIAA Tournament every year since joining the conference in 2006-07. The Tigers had a rollercoaster season, twice putting together win streaks of four games, but also saw one five-game losing streak.
FHSU has most of its starting lineup back from last year, which includes five All-MIAA selections. All five returning were honorable mention selections last year. The list includes pitcher Paxton Duran, first baseman Tori Beltz, outfielder Samantha Villarreal, and infielders Courtney Dobson and Kylie Strand. Dobson is a three-time All-MIAA selection, while Duran, Beltz, and Villarreal have two all-conference selections to their credit.
The Tigers open the season on February 12 at the 8-State Classic in Bentonville, Ark., where they’ll play six games in the span of three days.
Below is the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll for the 2016 season.
2016 MIAA Softball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Oklahoma (4) 157
2. Pittsburg State (6) 154
3. Central Missouri (3) 149
4. Missouri Western (1) 142
5. Northwest Missouri 111
6. Emporia State 106
7. Washburn 96
8. Fort Hays State 92
9. Northeastern State 76
10. Nebraska-Kearney 57
11. Southwest Baptist 52
12. Missouri Southern 35
13. Lindenwood 34
14. Lincoln 13