Jan. 29, 2013

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -

The softball team racked up a second national ranking, coming in tied for 22nd in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 preseason poll announced Tuesday. The Lady Bears were ranked No. 24 in the USA Today/NFCA Top 25 last week.

The lady Bears one of three Big 12 teams in the rankings, with No. 2 Oklahoma and No. 9 Texas. Along with the Sooners and Longhorns, four other 2013 opponents were ranked; No. 3 California, No. 4 Arizona State, No. 21 North Carolina and No. 25 Hawaii. 2013 foes Syracuse, Texas Tech and Oklahoma State are each receiving votes.

Baylor, picked third in the Big 12, returns 10 letterwinners and seven starters off the 2012 squad that went 34-22 and advanced to the NCAA Regional in Lafayette, La. Additionally, head coach Glenn Moore returns three players that redshirted last season, including All-American pitcher Whitney Canion, who is healthy and ready to begin the season. The Lady Bears will also welcome five freshmen into the fold.

BU will begin the 2013 season at home for the Getterman Classic on Feb. 7-10. To purchase season tickets, call 254-710-1000 or click here.

For a full listing of the rankings, click here.