The 2010 Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) preseason coaches' softball poll was released earlier today (Jan.26) and Northwestern was picked to finish 10th out of 13 teams. The Red Raiders totaled 50 points, 12 points in back of ninth place Dordt (62). Morningside, the 2009 regular season champion, was the coaches' choice to win this year's championship with eight first place votes and 139 total points. Midland Lutheran was picked to finish second and totaled three first place votes, followed by Hastings with two first place votes. Doane (4th) and Concordia and Dana (tied for fifth) round out the top five.
Northwestern finished the 2009 season in 10th place with a 10-14 conference record, 13-24 overall. First year head coach Stephanie Kuhl takes over for interim coach Dave Hulsart, who will serve as one of the assistants this season. Eleven players and eight starters return off last year's squad.
To view the official GPAC release, click on the following link: 2010 Preseason Softball Poll
2010 Media Guide
