Feb. 8, 2013

North Dakota State tops Summit Preseason Coaches’ Poll

North Dakota State was the unanimous pick to claim its first title in the Summit League Preseason Coaches’ Poll, in voting by the league’s head coaches as released by the conference office.

The Bison corralled all five available first-place votes and 25 points to take first place. South Dakota State secured 17 points to narrowly take second over Oakland, with one first-place vote and 16 points. Western Illinois was fourth, followed by IPFW and Omaha.

NDSU was 40-20 overall in 2012, setting a program record for victories in a season.

The 2013 campaign begins on Friday, Feb. 15, with conference play kicking off the weekend of April 5-7. North Dakota State visits South Dakota State to highlight that weekend. The Summit League Tournament will be held at Oakland Baseball Field in Rochester, Mich. The four-team double elimination tournament will be played May 23-25.

2013 Summit Preseason Poll

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

1. North Dakota State 25 (5) (14-10, 40-20)

2. South Dakota State 17 (7-14, 18-33-1)

3. Oakland 16 (1) (15-6, 25-31)

4. Western Illinois 15 (7-17, 17-35-1)

5. IPFW 9 (8-16, 16-40)

6. Omaha 8 (independent, 12-36)

(photo courtesy of NDSU Media Relations)