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February
12, 2004
 Methodist softball ranked 12th in preseason NCAA Division III Top 25 poll FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Methodist Monarch softball team is enjoying its highest NCAA Division III ranking in program history as the Monarchs are ranked 12th in the NCAA Division III Top 25 poll. The poll, sponsored by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, was released on Wednesday. Methodist, which had its best season in school history last season with a 38-10 mark, received 97 points in the poll. The Monarchs finished last season ranked 13th in the final NCAA Division III Top 25 poll for the season. Methodist was the only team from the USA South Athletic Conference to ranked in the preseason poll. Salisbury was voted as the top-ranked team in the poll, followed closely by Central and Emory. Muskingum and Illinois Wesleyan round out the Top Five. The 2004 season could be another banner year for Methodist. Head coach Ron Simpson returns 10 of 11 starters, plus the top three pitchers from last season. The Monarchs were the preseason favorite to win the USA South Athletic Conference. Methodist opens the 2004 season on March 2 at Averett. |