Tabor was picked to finish seventh among the seven conferThe softball team was projected to finish eighth among nine teams.
Coaching and roster changes contributed to the low rankings.
The baseball team has nine returners from last year?s fifth-place roster and will feature 11 newcomers on the roster.
?Our coaching staff is pleased by the progress we made throughout the fall,? first-year coach Chad Newhard said.
?We feel like we have a team that has worked very hard so far and is not afraid to do the little intangible things that lead to success.?
With program veterans Stephanie Regrut, Clancey Kelley, Alyssa Voth, and Aubrey Whitehorn returning, much of the core of the softball team remains intact.
The team went 1-15 in conference games and placed last in 2007.
?We only have 13 players on our roster, but don?t let that fool you,? first-year coach Johnny Bassett said.
?We have no shortage of leaders on this team. They all want to win, and they all know it will take a lot of hard work. This year, what we lack in depth, we?ll make up for with determination.?
2008 KCAC Baseball Coaches Poll results
1. Bethany (6) 48
2. Friends (1) 41
3. Kansas Wesleyan 36
4-t. Ottawa 25
4-t. Saint Mary 25
6. Sterling 12
7. Tabor 9
2008 KCAC Softball Coaches Poll results
1. Friends (6) 69
2. Ottawa (2) 64
3. Kansas Wesleyan 51
4-t. Bethany 45
4-t. Sterling 45
6. McPherson 36
7. Southwestern 25
8. Tabor 13
9. Saint Mary 12
