Jan. 30, 2013

CBI MVC Preview

Coaches' Preseason All-MVC Team

Missouri State is top team in MVC Preseason Poll

With five position starters and nine pitchers returning, Missouri State is the favorite in the Missouri Valley Conference Preseason Poll, in voting by the league’s head coaches as released by the conference office.

The Bears, under head coach Keith Guttin (pictured), picked up six first-place votes and 60 points to outdistance second-place Wichita State, with one first-place vote and 47 points. Illinois State, with one first-place vote, tied Indiana State for third with 45 points. Southern Illinois was fifth, followed by Bradley, Creighton and Evansville.

Missouri State posted a record of 40-22 a season ago and finished second in the MVC with a 13-7 mark. The Bears earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, its first regional appearance since 2003.

The Shockers bring back six starters and eight pitchers from last season’s 35-25 squad. Wichita State was 12-9 in league play to finish third.

Indiana State won the regular-season title, going 14-7 in conference play and 41-19 overall. Eighth-seeded Creighton surprised the field and won the 2012 MVC Tournament.

The 2013 campaign begins on Friday, Feb. 15, with all eight teams in action. Conference play kicks off the weekend of March 22-24, with Southern Illinois visiting Indiana State and Creighton at Evansville. The MVC Championship will be held at Illinois State’s Duffy Bass Field in Normal, Ill. The eight-team double elimination tournament will be held from May 21-25.

2013 MVC Preseason Poll

Team, Points (First Place) (2012 MVC, Overall Records)

1. Missouri State 60 (6) (13-7, 40-22)

2. Wichita State 47 (1) (12-9, 35-25)

t3. Illinois State 45 (1) (10-9, 33-19)

t3. Indiana State 45 (14-7, 41-19)

5. Southern Illinois 36 (9-12, 31-28)

6. Bradley 21 (8-13, 27-27)

7. Creighton 18 (6-14, 28-30)

8. Evansville 16 (10-11, 32-27)

(photos courtesy of Missouri State Media Relations Office)