Patriot Softball Named Unanimous #1 by NFCA
March 21, 2008

STARKVILLE, Miss.,--The University of Texas at Tyler softball team is the No. 1 softball team in all of NCAA Division III according to the latest poll released by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association on Friday morning.

The Patriots (18-0), who were previously No. 2 in the poll, moved up because of a loss by top-ranked and previously unbeaten Linfield to unranked Pacific Lutheran.

The ranking marks just the second time in UT Tyler history that one of its teams claimed the top spot in a sport’s rankings. The UT Tyler men’s golf team was previously ranked No. 1 by Golfstat last October.

Also joining the Patriots in the poll from the American Southwest Conference is Louisiana College and Mary Hardin-Baylor. Louisiana jumped up four spots from tenth to sixth, while UMHB fell six spots from No. 19 to No. 25. Other 2008 opponents for UT Tyler appearing on the poll are Washington-St. Louis at No. 9 and Plattsburgh St. at No. 19. The Patriots hold a combined five wins over UMHB, Washington, and Plattsburgh.

The Patriots will get their first chance to defend their No. 1 ranking on Friday afternoon. UT Tyler will face Ozarks in Clarksville in an ASC East doubleheader at noon.

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