Northwestern University Athletics
Preseason Polls Rank Wildcats
1/24/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Jan. 24, 2006
EVANSTON, Ill. -- For the first time in school history, Northwestern will open the 2006 season ranked in the top 25. The Wildcats are No. 16 in the USA Today/NFCA Coaches Poll and No. 15 in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Top 25.
The ranking in the USA Softball poll matches Northwestern's program high in a national poll, reached last year. The Wildcats advanced to the Super Regional round of the NCAA Tournament in 2005, closing the season ranked No. 16 in both final polls.
The Big Ten conference has three representatives in the preseason polls. Defending national champion Michigan is No. 1 in both polls, while Iowa is No. 19 in the USA Softball poll and No. 24 in the NFCA rankings.
Northwestern's perenially challenging schedule remains intact for 2006. The Wildcats have slated 24 games against squads ranked or receiving votes in the NFCA preseason poll, including eight matchups against top-10 opponents.
Northwestern opens the season Feb. 10-12 at the Kajikawa Classic in Tempe, Ariz.
To view the complete preseason polls, visit NFCA.org and USA Softball.com
