KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After capturing their first MIAA Regular Season Championship and second MIAA Tournament Championship in 2024, No. 9 Rogers State softball was tabbed to repeat by the league's coaches in the 2025 preseason poll, the Association announced on Thursday.
 
The Hillcats finished atop the poll with seven of the 13 first place votes at 139 total points. Central Oklahoma followed close behind with the other six first place votes and 137 total points. The two schools were joined by Pittsburg State (120 points), Washburn (111 points) and Missouri Southern (85 points) to round out the top 5.
 
Missouri Western (83 points), Northwest Missouri (79 points), Emporia State (71 points), Central Missouri (69 points) and Fort Hays State (48 points) closed out the top 10. Nebraska Kearney (32 points), Newman (26 points) and Northeastern State (14 points) were also featured in the poll.
 
The Hillcats return 10 players from last year's squad, including All-MIAA selections Callie Yellin, Abbey Rogers, Jade Sanders and Kaylee Lyon, and Rawlings Gold Glove First Baseman Bridgett Morales. Head Coach Andrea Vaughan also brought in 11 newcomers including two transfers from Northeastern State, Savannah Evans and Chloe Bohuslavicky.
 
After finishing the 2024 season hosting the NCAA Division II Super Regional Championship, RSU will get the 2025 campaign underway tomorrow, as they open up the season in the Gulf Shores Invitational in Gulf Shores, Ala. against West Alabama and No. 6 Auburn Montgomery. First pitch is set for 12:15 p.m. and 3 p.m., respectively.