Jan. 28, 2004

WACO, Texas - Baylor softball was picked to finish sixth in the Big 12 Conference this season, according to the preseason coaches' poll released Wednesday by the league office. The Lady Bears garnered 44 total points in the poll, one point behind fifth-place Missouri.

Oklahoma edged Nebraska for top billing in the preseason picks. The Sooners received six of 10 first-place nods and 78 total points. The Huskers collected each of the four remaining first-place votes and 75 total points. Texas A&M (62 points) and Texas (57) were picked third and fourth, respectively. Oklahoma State (34), Kansas (25), Iowa State (19) and Texas Tech (11) rounded out the poll in that order.

The Lady Bears, under the direction of fourth-year head coach Glenn Moore, return six starters and one pitcher from a 2003 squad that finished 31-29 overall and tied for fifth at the Big 12 Conference Tournament. Included in the returning starters are 2003 all-Big 12 selections Kelly Levesque (.326, 2, 14) and Kim Wilmoth (.339, 1, 20).

Baylor opens the 2004 season Feb. 6-8, hosting Auburn, North Texas, Northwestern State, Pacific and Wichita State for the third-annual Getterman Classic.

2004 BIG 12 CONFERENCE PRESEASON COACHES' POLLTeam (No. 1 votes)      Points 1. Oklahoma (6)        78 2. Nebraska (4)        75 3. Texas A&M       62 4. Texas           57 5. Missouri        45 6. BAYLOR      44 7. Oklahoma State      34 8. Kansas      25 9. Iowa State      1910. Texas Tech      11