KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Rogers State softball has been picked second in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, the league announced on Friday.
 
After appearing in their second-straight NCAA Central Regional Championship and finishing third in the league last season, the Hillcats were tabbed to finished second in 2024 with two first place votes and 153 total points.
 
Central Oklahoma was picked to repeat atop the MIAA standings with 11 first place votes and 167 total points. RSU, Missouri Southern (one first place vote, 139 points), Washburn (136 points) and Missouri Western (124 points) rounded out the top five.
 
Central Missouri (114 points), Pittsburg State (90 points), Fort Hays State (83 points), Emporia State (75 points) and Northwest Missouri (60 points) closed out the top 10. The poll also featured Northeastern State (49 points), Nebraska Kearney (44 points), Newman (27 points) and Lincoln (14 points).
 
The Hillcats open the 2024 campaign on the road as they travel to Conroe, Texas on Feb. 2 to compete in the DII First Pitch Invitational and take on St. Edward's and St. Mary's on the first day. They return to the Diamond Sports Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29 for the home opener against Missouri S&T in a doubleheader.