Jan. 22, 2002

WACO, Texas - Baylor's softball team was picked to finished sixth in the Big 12 Conference this season, according to the preseason coaches' poll release late Monday by the conference office. The Lady Bears were 38-22 overall last season, finishing sixth in the Big 12 with a 7-9 league mark.

Defending champion Nebraska was the overwhelming favorite in the preseason poll, garnering 78 total points and seven of 10 first-place votes. Oklahoma, which claimed the Big 12 Tournament title last year, was picked second with 72 total points and two first-place nods. Texas was third with 65 points and the final first-place selection.

Kansas (52 points) was picked fourth, followed by Texas A&M (49), Baylor (42), Oklahoma State (32), Texas Tech (28), Missouri (23) and Iowa State (9).

While most teams showed little movement in the preseason poll from their 2001 finish, Texas and Texas Tech nearly switched spots. The Red Raiders finished third last season at 10-8, while the Longhorns were ninth at 5-13.

Baylor and Texas Tech will be the first Big 12 teams to see action this season, both getting underway next weekend. The Lady Bears will start their 2002 campaign Feb. 1-3 by hosting the Getterman Classic presented by Compass Bank and Hilton.