February 5, 2008
San Antonio – The St. Mary’s University softball team was ranked ninth in the nation in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division II Preseason Softball Poll, released last week by the organization.
The Rattlers, who finished the 2007 season ranked 13th in the nation, return eight starters and their top three starting pitchers. The number nine preseason national ranking is the highest for the Rattlers since the 2003 season. No other Heartland Conference schools were ranked in the poll. St. Mary’s has already posted a win over 17th-ranked Midwestern State University.
With the wins the Rattlers are 4-1 overall after winning the tournament title at the St. Mary’s NCAA Division II College Classic last weekend at the San Antonio ISD Spring Sports Complex. St. Mary’s was scheduled to play a doubleheader in Stephenville today against Tarleton State, but the games were postponed due to weather. The Rattlers will return to action on Thursday when they travel to Abilene to play in the Abilene Christian/Wildcat Diamond Dames Classic. They will face 11th-ranked Emporia State in the first round of the tournament on Thursday.