Softball

Four KCAC Teams Recognized in Latest NAIA Softball Coaches' Poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Four teams from the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) were recognized in the latest edition of the NAIA Softball Coaches' Poll, the national office announced Wednesday.

Evangel University is now ranked No. 14, dropping one spot from their previous position. Ottawa University, Avila University, and Oklahoma Wesleyan University all occupied the "Receiving Votes" category of the poll.

The next edition of the NAIA Softball Coaches' Poll is scheduled to be released Wednesday, April 29.
 
 

Poll Methodology

  • The national poll is for publicity purposes only and does not influence the selection process for national championship consideration.
  • A panel of head coaches representing each conference and the Continental Athletic Conference (Independents) votes in the poll.
  • The Top 25 teams are selected using a points-based system:
    • 30 points for a 1st-place vote, 29 for 2nd, 28 for 3rd, and so on.
  • The highest and lowest rankings received by each team are discarded before final tallying.
  • Teams receiving only one point are not listed as “receiving votes.”
 

TOP 10 CAPSULES
 

1. Oregon Tech

Claiming the No. 1 spot, Oregon Tech has earned it with one of the most complete statistical profiles in the country, jumping out to a dominant 36-4 record while overwhelming opponents on both sides of the ball. The Owls are hitting an impressive .364 as a team, ranking among the NAIA leaders, while showcasing elite plate discipline with more walks (103) than strikeouts (81)—a rare and dangerous combination. In the circle, the dominance has been just as clear, highlighted by a 1.06 ERA over their last 20 games, as they consistently shut down opposing lineups and control the tempo. Offensively, Oregon Tech continues to produce throughout the lineup, with key contributors like Puakea Milbourne delivering timely power and run production, while Nita Cook (.471 AVG) ranks among the top hitters in the conference.

2. Oklahoma City

Checking in at No. 2, Oklahoma City continues to showcase one of the most explosive and efficient profiles in the NAIA, pairing elite offense with dominant pitching depth. The Stars have overwhelmed opponents early in the season, with a pitching staff posting a 1.64 team ERA while holding opposing hitters to just a .223 average, creating consistent control in the circle. Offensively, the firepower is led by one of the top hitters in the country, as Analise Rayburn is hitting .459 with 13 home runs and 51 RBIs, while anchoring a lineup filled with production top to bottom. Additional contributors like Hadley Gibson (.500 AVG) and Tara Hoehner (.412 AVG) have kept the pressure constant, giving Oklahoma City one of the deepest lineups.

3. Madonna (Mich.)

Coming in at No. 3, Madonna has put together one of the most dominant starts in the country, jumping out to a 35-3 record while consistently overwhelming opponents on both sides of the ball. The Crusaders have been relentless at the plate, led by a lineup featuring multiple hitters above the .400 mark, including Brynn Anteau (.500 AVG, 21 RBI) and Regan Finkbeiner (.469 AVG, .581 OBP, 10 SB), creating constant pressure with both power and speed. That offensive firepower is matched by efficiency and depth, as Madonna continues to string together quality at-bats and capitalize on scoring opportunities. With elite production throughout the lineup and a near-flawless record to back it up, the Crusaders have firmly established themselves as a force in the WHAC.

4. Southeastern (Fla.)

Landing at No. 4, Southeastern (Fla.) has built one of the most dominant statistical resumes in the NAIA, powered by elite efficiency in the circle and steady offensive production. The Fire are hitting a solid .320 as a team with 224 hits and 113 RBIs through 25 games, consistently applying pressure with timely hitting and situational execution. What truly separates Southeastern, however, is its dominance in the circle, where the staff has posted a staggering 0.60 ERA with 178 strikeouts over 173.2 innings, while limiting opponents to just 15 earned runs all season—one of the best marks in the country. The Fire also brings speed into the mix with 69 stolen bases, adding another layer to an already balanced attack. With overpowering pitching and a lineup that continues to produce, Southeastern has all the pieces of a team capable of making a deep national title push.

5. Eastern Oregon

Coming in at No. 5, Eastern Oregon has put together an impressive early-season resume, combining strong offensive production with consistent results against quality competition. The Mountaineers have shown the ability to score in bunches, highlighted by multiple double-digit run performances and key wins over ranked opponents, helping build momentum throughout the schedule. At the plate, Eastern Oregon has featured a balanced lineup that consistently generates traffic and capitalizes on scoring opportunities, while the pitching staff has done its part in limiting damage and keeping games under control. Defensively, the Mountaineers have also been sharp, posting a near-perfect fielding percentage and minimizing mistakes behind their pitching staff. With a well-rounded statistical profile and the ability to compete with anyone on their schedule, Eastern Oregon continues to establish itself as a legitimate national contender.

6. Southern Oregon

Checking in at No. 6, Southern Oregon continues to build on its national championship pedigree with a strong statistical profile and balanced production across the board. The Raiders have compiled a 161-93 run differential, scoring 161 runs on 254 hits while maintaining consistent pressure at the plate with 87 RBIs and 88 walks, showcasing both production and discipline offensively. In the circle, Southern Oregon has logged over 200 innings with 145 strikeouts, limiting opponents to just 93 runs (76 earned) and maintaining steady control throughout the season. The Raiders have also shown the ability to generate offense in multiple ways, mixing power with situational hitting and timely execution in key moments. As the defending national champions, Southern Oregon continues to prove it has the depth, experience, and statistical balance to remain firmly in the national title conversation.

7. Science and Arts (Okla.)

Sitting at No. 7, Science & Arts continues to show why they are one of the most dangerous programs in the NAIA, built around elite pitching dominance and efficient run production. The Drovers have leaned heavily on a staff that has posted a 1.51 ERA while stacking over 300 strikeouts in more than 200 innings pitched, consistently giving them control in every matchup. Offensively, USAO has been just as steady, producing a .360 team batting average with more than 430 hits and 300+ runs scored, showing the ability to manufacture offense in a variety of ways. Leading the way in the circle, ace Aubree Ferguson has been the centerpiece of the staff with a dominant 18-2 record, 0.50 ERA, and 120 strikeouts in 112.2 innings, anchoring one of the most reliable pitching units in the country. With elite pitching depth and a lineup that consistently finds ways to score, the Drovers remain firmly in the national title conversation.

8. Missouri Baptist

Sitting at No. 8, Missouri Baptist has emerged as one of the most balanced offensive and pitching teams in the NAIA, showing early-season efficiency on both sides of the ball. The Spartans have produced a strong offensive profile, hitting .319 as a team with 224 hits and 138 RBIs, while consistently finding ways to generate pressure with extra-base production and situational scoring. On the mound, Missouri Baptist has kept games competitive with a 4.61 team ERA across 76 innings pitched, while striking out 37 batters and limiting damage in key moments, helping stabilize their overall performance in a tough schedule. In the circle, standout Kaylie Brake has anchored the staff with a 2.47 ERA and a 12–2 record, giving the Spartans a reliable frontline arm to lean on in big games. Offensively, Keeley Elsea (.485 AVG, 27 RBI, 5 HR, 30 runs scored) has been the catalyst of the lineup, providing consistent power and run production at the top of the order. With elite individual performances driving a deep roster, Missouri Baptist continues to solidify itself as a legitimate national contender.

9. Our Lady of the Lake (Texas)

Checking in at No. 9, Our Lady of the Lake has built one of the most productive offensive profiles in the NAIA, pairing high-volume hitting with consistent run production throughout the lineup. The Saints are hitting .311 as a team with 298 hits, 172 RBIs, and a .418 on-base percentage, showing an offense that consistently puts pressure on opposing pitching staffs. In the circle and defensively, OLLU has worked to limit damage in key moments while relying on its offense to drive momentum, backed by a lineup that continues to generate extra-base opportunities with 73 doubles and 9 home runs on the season. Leading the way, Kalista Niu has been one of the most consistent bats in the lineup, while Carrie Barrera-Lacy provides speed and table-setting ability at the top, helping fuel a steady run-scoring attack. With elite contact volume and one of the more disciplined offenses in the country, the Saints remain firmly in the national conversation.

10. Keiser (Fla.)

Finishing at No. 10, Keiser has put together one of the most explosive offensive profiles in the NAIA, pairing high-volume production with consistent run generation across the lineup. The Seahawks are hitting .359 as a team with 186 hits and 140 runs scored, showing the ability to pressure defenses early and often while maintaining strong contact rates throughout the order. In the circle, Keiser has complemented that offense with steady pitching depth, posting a 4.74 team ERA over 164 innings pitched, while continuing to compete in high-scoring, momentum-driven games. Defensively and situationally, the Seahawks have also been solid, turning multiple double plays and limiting damage in key spots to stay competitive against top-tier opponents. Leading the way offensively, Faith Campos (.360 AVG) has been one of the most consistent bats in the lineup, while Genesis Iglesias (.629 SLG) provides the biggest impact power threat in the order, driving extra-base production and run creation. With a lineup built to score and enough pitching depth to hold leads, Keiser rounds out the Top 10 as a dangerous team capable of winning on any given day.


FULL TOP 25 RANKINGS
 
RANK LAST TIME INSTITUTION [FIRST-PLACE VOTES] RECORD POINTS
1 1 Oregon Tech [11] 36-4 493
2 T-2 Oklahoma City [4] 37-3 487
3 T-2 Madonna (Mich.) [1] 35-3 476
4 6 Southeastern (Fla.) [2] 36-4 454
5 4 Eastern Oregon [1] 32-6 426
6 5 Southern Oregon 29-11 406
7 8 Science and Arts (Okla.) 37-7 388
8 10 Missouri Baptist 30-7 387
9 7 Our Lady of the Lake (Texas) 30-7 385
10 9 Keiser (Fla.) 38-4 378
11 T-11 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 31-5 345
12 14 Mobile (Ala.) 27-10 302
13 16 William Carey (Miss.) 30-9 298
14 13 Evangel (Mo.) 34-8 259
15 17 Grand View (Iowa) 24-12 222
16 24 LSU Alexandria (La.) 24-14 204
17 18 Central Methodist (Mo.) 27-12 187
18 20 Cumberlands (Ky.) 27-13 181
19 23 Coastal Georgia 32-8 180
20 T-11 Marian (Ind.) 24-11 172
21 21 Texas A&M University – Texarkana 29-12 147
22 15 St. Thomas (Fla.) 24-16 116
23 RV Saint Xavier (Ill.) 29-9 114
24 22 Midland (Neb.) 28-10 111
25 19 Tennessee Southern 25-11 106
Dropped from Top 25: Benedictine (Kan.)
Receiving Votes: Indiana Wesleyan 91; College of Idaho 78; Faulkner (Ala.) 70; Benedictine (Kan.) 57; Saint Francis (Ind.) 46; Hope International(Calif.) 40; British Columbia 26; Northwestern (Iowa) 24; Dordt (Iowa) 22; Blue Mountain Christian (Miss.) 17; Arizona Christian 15; Georgia Gwinnett 12; Indiana Tech 12; Benedictine Mesa (Ariz.) 9; Cumberland (Tenn.) 8; Reinhardt (Ga.) 8; St. Francis (Ill.) 8; Ottawa (Kan.) 6; Campbellsville (Ky.) 5; Avila (Mo.) 3; Oklahoma Wesleyan 3; Cottey (Mo.) 2.


Key:
RV - Receiving Votes

NR - Not Ranked
 


—KCAC—