KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After making their fourth-straight appearance in the MIAA Tournament last season, Rogers State baseball was picked to finish eighth by the league's coaches in the 2025 preseason poll, the Association announced on Thursday.
 
Finishing in sixth place in 2024, the Hillcats were tabbed to finish this season in eighth place with 65 points.
 
Central Missouri was selected as the league favorite for the sixth-straight season after receiving 11 of the 13 first place votes and 141 total points. Missouri Southern (two first place votes, 128 points), Pittsburg State (120 points), Central Oklahoma (119 points) and Washburn (97 points) rounded out the top 5.
 
Fort Hays State (78 points), Emporia State (67 points), RSU, Missouri Western (53 points) and Arkansas Fort Smith (52 points) closed out the top 10. Northeastern State (41 points), Northwest Missouri (33 points) and Newman (20 points) were also featured in the poll.
 
The Hillcats will get the 2025 campaign under on Tuesday, Feb. 4 as they travel to Ada, Okla. to face off against East Central before returning home for a massive 11-game homestand at the newly renovated RCB Bank Sports Complex. First pitch on Tuesday is set for 1 p.m.