.jpg)
| March 9, 2005 |
| NKU SOFTBALL JUMPS TO NO. 1 IN NATIONAL POLL |
Norse off to 14-0
start, ranked No. 1 nationally for first time in history |
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - For the first time in the history of the program, the Northern Kentucky University softball team is ranked No. 1 in the nation. NKU, off to a 14-0 start, is ranked No. 1 nationally in the latest NCAA Division II poll, which was released by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association on Wednesday. The Norse were voted fifth in the preseason poll, but wins over No. 2 Kennesaw State and No. 3 Shippensburg (Pa.) helped elevate NKU into the top spot for the first time in the 21-year history of the program. NKU received four first-place votes and totaled 187 points. West Florida (19-1) is ranked No. 2 with 180 points, while Shippensburg, Kennesaw State and Humboldt State round out the top five teams in the poll. NKU defeated then-No. 2 Kennesaw State, 5-0, on Feb. 26 at Kennesaw, Ga. The Norse later posted a 3-0 win over then-No. 3 Shippensburg on March 5 at Orlando, Fla. A year ago, NKU posted a 54-7 record and advanced to the NCAA Division II World Series for the first time. The Norse returned all nine starters and the entire pitching staff for the 2005 season. NKU features junior pitcher Krystal Lewallen, who was named first team All-American last season. She also led the nation in earned run average and was named Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Year. NKU is currently in Orlando, Fla., participating in the Rebel Spring Games. Going into Wednesday, NKU was 6-0 at the tournament with games against Indiana (Pa.) and South Dakota scheduled for today. NFCA NCAA Division II national poll (school, first-place votes, record, total points) 1. Northern
Kentucky (4) 14-0 187
|
