Softball Debuts at No. 2 in NFCA Poll
March 6, 2008

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- The University of Texas at Tyler softball team has been voted as the No. 2 team in the country, according to the poll released today by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.  The ranking is the first for the program since becoming post-season eligible this season.

Despite receiving no votes in the preseason poll, the Patriots received 192 votes in the first regular season poll, skyrocketing them into second place.  UT Tyler received one of eight first place votes and finished just four points behind No. 1 Linfield.

The Patriots have opened their season with a perfect 12-0 record, with four of the wins coming against preseason Top 25 teams.  UT Tyler holds three wins over the former No. 3 Plattsburgh St. and one win over the former No. 24 Washington-St. Louis.

The Patriots will get their first opportunity to defend their ranking this weekend, when they travel to Farmer’s Branch, Texas to compete in the annual First Pitch Tournament hosted by the American Southwest Conference. 

On Friday, UT Tyler will face Texas Lutheran at 2 p.m., followed by Hardin-Simmons at 6 p.m.  On Saturday, the Patriots’ opponents will be Howard Payne and Mary Hardin-Baylor.  Times for Saturday’s games are 12 and 2 p.m., respectively. 

Athletics Home Page