KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Northwestern softball team (23-2, 0-0 GPAC) enters conference play with a new ranking this week, rising two spots to No. 15 in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) coaches’ poll, released by the national office this morning.
Northwestern is ranked nationally for the second-straight poll after receiving a No. 17 ranking in the poll released on March 8.
After starting the season 16-0, the Raiders have only dropped two games on the year, putting themselves in the top-15 for the first time since May 9, 2000, when they were ranked No. 12.
Northwestern leads the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) and is near the top in the NAIA in multiple statistical categories. Entering the week, the Raiders lead the conference in batting average (.345), on base percentage (.426), runs (158), RBI (143), and walks drawn (90). They are top-15 in the NAIA in on base percentage, runs, RBI, walks, stolen bases (63), ERA (1.57), and opponent batting average (.201).
The top-5 has newcomers across the board, as Oregon Tech lands in the top spot after ranking No. 4 in the first poll. Rounding out the top-five are Our Lady of the Lake (Texas), Cumberlands (Ky.), Baker (Kan.), and Southern Oregon.
Northwestern is the only GPAC team ranked in the top-25. Midland is receiving votes in the most recent poll.
