MSU picked second in preseason poll

RICHARDSON, Texas - The Midwestern State University softball team was picked to finish second in the Lone Star Conference's North Division according to the preseason poll released Thursday afternoon.

The Mustangs received five first-place votes, five runner-up votes and five third-place votes, good for 90 points, second only to defending North champion Central Oklahoma, which received 10 first-place votes.

Angelo State was picked to defend its South Division title with 17 first-place votes. The Rambelles won the Division II national championship in 2004.

Central Oklahoma's Alli Blake was selected preseason pitcher of the year, while Southeastern Oklahoma State outfielder Kylie Furguson was named preseason player of the year.

Midwestern State will kickoff the 2006 season by traveling to San Antonio for the St. Mary's Classic on Feb. 2. The Mustangs home opener is Feb. 20 against Oklahoma Panhandle State at the Sunrise Optimist Complex.

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North Division

Central Oklahoma (10), 98

Midwestern State (5), 90

Southeastern Oklahoma, 80

Northeastern State ( Okla.), 59

Southwestern Oklahoma, 36

Cameron, 32

East Central, 25