March 20, 2002

WACO, Texas - On the strength of last week's 4-0 victory over then No. 21 Texas A&M, Baylor softball gained 29 votes since last week's poll and now stands just two spots out of the USA Today/NFCA Top 25. The Lady Bears (30-7, 1-0) became the first Division I team in the nation to reach 30 wins this season, and they are ranked 27th nationally with a season-high 39 total votes.

UCLA remained the nation's top-ranked team for the fourth straight week, the Bruins regained all 27 first-place votes after Arizona received 10 last week. No. 2 Stanford and No. 3 Arizona switched places from last week, as did fourth-ranked Nebraska and fifth-ranked Louisiana. Arizona State, Cal State Fullerton, California, Oklahoma and Fresno State round out the top 10.

Along with Nebraska and Oklahoma, No. 22 Texas A&M gives the Big 12 Conference three teams in the Top 25. However, three others are on the doorstep. Texas received 41 votes as the top team among those receiving votes, Baylor and Oklahoma State, who received 19 votes, follow the Longhorns.

Baylor plays a 2 p.m. CST doubleheader Wednesday at Texas Tech.