Northwestern University Athletics
'Cats Crack Top 25
3/1/2005 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 1, 2005
EVANSTON, Ill. -- By virtue of its 4-1 record -- including wins over three ranked opponents -- at the Palm Springs Classic last weekend, Northwestern has vaulted into the ESPN/USA Softball coaches poll for the first time this season, ranking 23rd.
The Wildcats (11-4) are slotted ahead of No. 24 Pacific (9-3) and No. 25 Long Beach State (9-6), both teams which Northwestern defeated in Palm Springs. NU also bested No. 14 Washington in the desert.
The Wildcats' ranking marks their first time in the poll since 2003, when they attained at No. 22 ranking at their highest point. Northwestern finished last season at No. 23 in the NFCA/USA Today coaches poll.
Northwestern is the only school not previously ranked to enter this week's poll, with Oregon falling out. The Wildcats received 92 points this week after garnering 22 in the last poll.
In the latest NFCA/USA Today rankings released Wednesday, Northwestern is rated No. 25. This week marks the first time in program history the Wildcats have been in both polls at the same time.
For complete poll results, link to the ESPN/USA Softball Coaches Poll and NFCA/USA Today Coaches Poll.
