MSU Softball ranked No. 1 in South Central region

WICHITA FALLS, Texas - Midwestern State claimed the South Central's top ranking when the NCAA Division II Women's Softball Committee released the first regional ranking summary for 2006.

The top eight teams in each region will advance to the national tournament later this month.

The Mustangs, who are currently ranked No. 21 in the NFCA national poll, have won nine of their last 10 games and are currently 36-9 on the season.

Abilene Christian is second followed by LSC North foes Central Oklahoma and Southeastern</placename /> Oklahoma State. Angelo  State and Eastern New Mexico are the LSC other representatives, checking in at Nos. 9 and 10, respectively.

St. Edward's, Incarnate Word and St. Mary's of the Heartland Conference fill the 5-7 spots, while the lone Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference entry, Regis, is eighth.

MSU returns to action Thursday afternoon when it plays host to Abilene Christian at the Sunrise Optimist Complex. First pitch for the non-divisional game is slated for5 p.m.

The Mustangs return to LSC North play on Saturday with a 2 p.m. showdown with Southwestern Oklahoma in Weatherford.

MSU closes the season with a four-game set with LSC North leading Central Oklahoma next week.

South Central Region

1. Midwestern State (Texas)(34-9)

2. Abilene Christian (Texas)(33-12)

3. Central Oklahoma (23-6)

4. Southwestern Oklahoma (30-10)

5. St. Edward's (Texas) (39-11)

6. Incarnate Word (Texas) (38-12)

7. St. Mary's (Texas) (33-18)

8. Regis (Colo.) (32-12)

9. Angelo State (Texas) (25-22)

10. Eastern New Mexico (29-17)

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