Lock Haven University has been selected to top the NFCA Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll, it was announced today. Following a dramatic extra-innings loss to Humboldt State in last year’s NCAA Semifinal, the Eagles recorded 388 of a possible 400 points despite garnering just six of a possible 16 first-place votes. Defending NCAA Champion Humboldt State pulled the remaining 10 first-place votes but sits in second place in the preseason poll. Last season’s runner-up, Emporia State, ranks 23rd while Lock Haven’s co-semifinalist, St. Edward’s, is ranked third.

The 2009 NCAA Division II Championship will take place May 21-25 in Salem, Va., at the James I. Moyer Sports Complex.

The NFCA Division II Top 25 Poll is voted on by NCAA Division II head coaches, two representing each of the eight NCAA regions. Records shown are the teams final 2008 records. Last ranking reflects the final 2008 poll. First-place votes are in parentheses.

NFCA Division II Top 25 Poll #1 (Preseason) – Jan. 28, 2009
The NFCA Division II Top 25 Poll is voted on by 16 NCAA Division II head coaches, two representing each of the eight NCAA regions. Records shown are the teams final 2008 records. Last ranking reflects the final 2008 poll. First-place votes are in parentheses.
Rank Team Record Pts Pvs
1 Lock Haven (6) 49-8 388 3
2 Humboldt State (10) 57-18 374 1
3 St. Edward’s 53-17 358 4
4 Barry 44-8 333 7
5 Francis Marion 39-16 332 5
6 Ferris State 35-18 331 5
7 LIU-C.W. Post 48-16 278 8
8 Southeastern Oklahoma 53-12 275 9
9 Winona State 38-15 254 15
10 Tampa 35-13 229 12
11 North Georgia 38-15 228 12
12 Kutztown 48-13 226 18
13 Lewis 38-18 177 NR
14 Cal State Stanislaus 31-23 164 NR
15 Bloomsburg 51-11 146 9
16 St. Leo 37-15 123 19
17 Georgian Court 39-16 120 25
18 Colorado School of Mines 38-19 117 NR
19 Central Missouri 36-22 112 NR
20 Georgia College & State 40-14 88 NR
21 Angelo State 48-12 85 17
22 Alabama-Huntsville 52-9 74 24
23 Minnesota State Mankato 42-16 67 21
24 Caldwell College 35-22 66 16
25 Emporia State 48-17 62 2
Others receiving votes:
Saginaw Valley 35, Hawaii Pacific 33, Western Oregon 24, Nebraska-Omaha 22, Wayne State (MI) 21, Cal State Dominguez Hills 16, Armstrong Atlantic 11, LeMoyne 10, ST. Mary’s (TX) 5, Valdosta State 5, Indianapolis 4, Arkansas Tech 3, Metro State 2, NYIT 1, West Virginia Wesleyan 1