Bearcats Move Up to #10 in NFCA Division III Top 25 Poll

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University moved up two spots to #10 in this weeks National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division III Top 25 Poll released on Wednesday, March 11. The Bearcats are 5-1 in regular season games and have earned two exhibition wins. Willamette was ranked #23 in the NFCA Division III Preseason Poll and moved up 11 spots a week ago to #12 in the rankings.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater remains #1. UWW received six of eight first place votes and 195 points in the poll. Wisconsin-Eau Claire is #2 with one first place vote and 186 points. The two Wisconsin teams have not played any games this season. Louisiana College, 10-0, is third in the poll at 184 points. The University of Texas-Tyler, 10-0, received the final first place vote and is fourth with 178 points. The University of St. Thomas, 2-0, is #5 in the rankings with 167 points.

Willamette opened Northwest Conference play this past weekend on March 7-8, and won three of four games against Pacific University. The Bearcats will host NWC rival Lewis & Clark College for two games at the WU Softball Field on Saturday, March 14 at 12 p.m. (PDT). Willamette will travel to Newberg, Ore., on Sunday, March 15 to take on George Fox University in NWC action, with the doubleheader starting at 12 p.m. (PDT).