Jan. 18, 2012

IRVING, Texas -

The Baylor softball team was picked to finish fourth in a preseason vote conducted by league coaches, the Big 12 Conference office announced Wednesday. The Lady Bears are coming off a national ranking of fourth after advancing to the Women's College World Series Semifinals.

The last time Baylor was picked this high was a third-place prediction in 2010.

Missouri (59 points) was picked to win the league and received three first-place votes. Oklahoma earned the most first-place tallies with four, while Texas collected one nod. Oklahoma notched 56 points, coming in second behind the Tigers. Texas (50) edged out the Lady Bears (45) for third place. Texas A&M (37) landed in fifth while Oklahoma State (32) and Texas Tech (22) finished in sixth and seventh, respectively. Kansas (13) and Iowa State (10) rounded out this year's preseason poll.

Baylor returns 11 letterwinners and eight starters off of last season's squad, including second-team All-American pitcher Whitney Canion. The Lady Bears will begin the 2012 season at home for the Getterman/QTI Classic on Feb. 10-12. To purchase season tickets for Baylor's 2012 36-game home schedule, call 245-710-1000 or click here.

2012 Big 12 Preseason Coaches Poll