HORNET BASEBALL SLATED SECOND IN MIAA PRESEASON POLL

January 26, 2017-With just over a week until the season opener, the Emporia State baseball team has been selected for the #2 spot in the Preseason MIAA Coaches Poll.
 
The Hornets were 39-19 overall and finished second in the MIAA last season with a 27-12 conference record.
 
Emporia State will return eight position players that started at least 23 games last year along with two of their top three starting pitchers from last season.  Four of these ten Hornets earned All-MIAA honors in 2016.
 
The Hornets finished last season 39-19 after going 2-2 in the NCAA Division II Central Regional. It was the 11th time in the last 13 years that Emporia State has advanced to the NCAA Tournament and the third straight year.
 
Emporia State will open the season on February 3 with a three game series at Colorado State-Pueblo before returning to the Trusler Sports Complex for a three game set with Metro State on February 10-12.
 
2017 MIAA Preseason Baseball Coaches Poll
1. Central Missouri (9)......... 140
2. Emporia State (1)......... 130
3. Missouri Western (2)......... 119
4. Missouri Southern......... 101
5. Washburn (1)......... 100
6. Central Oklahoma......... 90
7. Northeastern State......... 75
8. Pittsburg State......... 53
9. Northwest Missouri......... 49
10. Nebraska-Kearney......... 46
11. Lindenwood......... 44
12. Fort Hays State......... 36
13. Southwest Baptist......... 31