UCM tabbed to finish 1st in MIAA baseball preseason coaches poll - KOAM TV 7

UCM tabbed to finish first in MIAA baseball preseason coaches poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Three-time defending MIAA Champion and NCAA Division II South Central Regional qualifier Central Missouri was selected as a unanimous preseason No. 1 in the 2013 MIAA Baseball Coaches Poll, the conference office announced Wednesday.

The Mules received all 14 possible first place votes to earn the top spot with 196 points. Central Missouri hosted the NCAA South Central Regional last season, falling in the regional championship game to St. Mary's. The Mules, who finished 48-9 last season are ranked #4 in this season's ABCA preseason poll.

Missouri Western, who finished last season 34-17, has earned the No. 2 spot in this season's poll taking the remaining first place vote. The Griffons are picked #37 in the ABCA preseason poll released on Dec. 20, 2012. They are followed by No. 3 Emporia State, who finished 26-22 last season and are picked #40 in the ABCA preseason poll.

Central Oklahoma, in their first year as members of the MIAA, are picked to finish fourth with 152 points. They come in ahead of Fort Hays State, picked No. 5 with 136 points, on point ahead of No. 6 Missouri Southern.

Washburn is picked No. 7 in this season's poll with 118 points, ten points ahead of No. 8 pick Lindenwood. Pittsburg State is picked to finish ninth in the league followed closely by No. 10 Northwest Missouri.

Just two points separate No. 11 Northeastern State (64) from No. 12 Nebraska-Kearney (62). The same stands for No. 13 Southwest Baptist (43) and No. 14 Truman (41) in this year's poll. Lincoln holds the final spot with 19 points.

The season will get underway on Feb. 1, 2013 when Emporia State and Central Missouri play in the Astro's in Action D-II Invitational in Houston, Texas.

2013 MIAA Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Central Missouri (14)                        196

2. Missouri Western (1)                        175

3. Emporia State                                  160

4. Central Oklahoma                            152

5. Fort Hays State                                136

6. Missouri Southern                            135

7. Washburn                                         118

8. Lindenwood                                      108

9. Pittsburg State                                    91

10. Northwest Missouri                           75

11. Northeastern State                            64

12. Nebraska-Kearney                            62

13. Southwest Baptist                             43

14. Truman                                             41

15. Lincoln                                              19