EDMOND (Nov. 4) – Two-time defending Lone Star Conference North Division champion Central Oklahoma came in No. 12 in the USA TODAY/ESPN Division II Women's Coaches' Poll that was released Wednesday.
The Bronchos, who have eight players back from last year's record-setting 27-6 team, received 297 points in balloting of 30 head coaches from around the country.
Michigan Tech topped the poll, followed by Franklin Pierce, California (Pa.), Delta State and Fort Lewis. West Texas A&M, which beat UCO in both the LSC Tournament and South Central Regional finals last year, came in 10th as the only other league team in the rankings.
The Bronchos, who were ranked 11th in the Division II Bulletin poll that came out last month, play their lone exhibition game next Tuesday, Nov. 10, at NAIA power Oklahoma City.
UCO opens the season Nov. 15 at Pittsburg State and plays its first 10 games on the road before making the home debut until Jan. 5.
USA TODAY/ESPN Division II Coaches' Poll
1. Michigan Tech
2. Franklin Pierce (N.H.)
3. California (Pa.)
4. Delta State (Miss.)
5. Fort Lewis (Colo.)
6. Minnesota State
7. Emporia State (Kan.)
8. Alaska-Anchorage
9. Stonehill (Mass.)
10. West Texas A&M
11. Indianapolis (Ind.)
12. Central Oklahoma
13. Clayton State (Ga.)
14. UC-San Diego
15. Northern Kentucky
16. Seattle Pacific (Wash.)
17. Holy Family (Pa.)
18. Washburn (Kan.)
19. Gannon (Pa.)
20. Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.)
21. Indiana (Pa.)
22. Tampa (Fla.)
23. Hillsdale (Mich.)
24. Quincy (Ill.)
25. Grand Valley (Mich.)
