Press Release

Jan. 29, 2009

Baseball Picked Fifth in MIAA Preseason Coaches' Poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Northwest Missouri State baseball was chosen to repeat as the fifth-place team from a year ago with the announcement of the 2009 MIAA Preseason Coaches' Poll by the league offices Jan. 28.

Central Missouri earned nine first-place votes after winning the MIAA tournament and advancing to the Division II World Series last season. Emporia State picked up the other two first-place votes as the defending regular-season champion and conference-newcomer Nebraska-Omaha was picked to finish third after advancing to the NCAA playoffs last year.

The Bearcats return eight pitchers (four starters, four relievers) from last year's staff, including All-MIAA Second Team hurler Bret Harvel, who led the MIAA in shutouts in 2008. Northwest returns five starting positions players from last year's 29-22 squad, including second-team All-MIAA second baseman Nick Pfeiffer, who posted a .337 batting average last season.

The Bearcats begin the 2009 season with a 1 p.m. doubleheader against Indianapolis Feb. 15 in Russellville, Ark.

2009 MIAA Preseason Coaches' Poll

   School                    Pts. 1. Central Missouri (9)        99 2. Emporia State (2)           92 3. Nebraska-Omaha              78 4. Fort Hays State             69 5. Northwest Missouri State    60 6. Missouri Western            58 7. Missouri Southern           52 8. Washburn                    34 9. Pittsburg State             3310. Southwest Baptist           1811. Truman                      12