2012 NFCA PRESEASON TOP 25 POLL  //  PDF

STARKVILLE, Miss. – After reaching the finals of the 2011 NCAA Division II South Regional last season, the University of Arkansas at Monticello softball team will start the 2012 campaign ranked No. 12 in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Preseason Top 25 Poll.

The Cotton Blossoms, picked as the co-favorite in the inaugural Great American Conference preseason coaches poll along with Southeastern Oklahoma State, made the largest jump of any team from being ranked No. 24 in the final 2011 NFCA poll to No. 12 to start the 2012 season. UAM returns six starters from last year’s squad, including All-America pitcher/first baseman Kayla Jackson (pictured).

Jackson went 29-9 in the circle last year with a 1.13 earned run average, while also being among the nation’s leaders offensively. The Hallsville, Texas native finished the season hitting .434 with 79 hits, including 12 homeruns. She is a two-time NFCA All-America selection.

UAM is the lone GAC representative in the preseason NFCA poll.