Courtesy of Pac-12 – Photo by Nate Barrett/Eric Evans Photography
SAN FRANCISCO – OREGON was voted first in the Pac-12 softball preseason coaches poll for the first time in league history, as announced by the Conference today. UCLA followed at a close second with 60 points, while ARIZONA and WASHINGTON tied for third with 46 apiece.
ARIZONA STATE placed fifth in the polling with 37 points, followed by UTAH at sixth with 26, tying the Utes’ highest ranking in the poll since joining the Conference. CALIFORNIA weighed in at seventh with 21 points, and OREGON STATE came in at eighth with 15. STANFORD rounded out the poll at ninth with 12 points.
The Ducks are coming off a historic season, setting a school record in wins with 56 in 2014 and reaching the national semifinal of the NCAA Women’s College World Series. Oregon is ranked No. 2 in both the NFCA and the ESPN.com/USA Softball preseason polls, joining four other Pac-12 teams in the polling (No. 7/6 UCLA, No. 11/13 Washington, No. 14/12 Arizona, No. 16/16 Arizona State).
The Pac-12 has dominated collegiate softball as 23 of a possible 32 national titles have been claimed by Pac-12 teams. The 2015 Pac-12 softball season begins Thursday, Feb. 5. For more information, including a full TV schedule, visit www.pac-12.com.
2015 Pac-12 Softball Coaches Poll
1. Oregon (5) 61
2. UCLA (4) 60
3. Arizona 46
Washington 46
5. Arizona State 37
6. Utah 26
7. California 21
8. Oregon State 15
9. Stanford 12
