3-30-10 ESPN USA Softball Poll

For Immediate Release: 03/30/10

Washington still top Dawgs heading into first week of conference play

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Heading into the first series of conference play, the University of Washington (28-2) remains the top team in the nation, clinching the top spot in ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 Poll as announced today by the Amateur Softball Association (ASA). Washington has been No. 1 since June 9, 2009.

The Huskies, who picked up two wins against Portland State over the weekend, are headed into the toughest month of their 2010 schedule, kicking off a three-game home stand with No. 5 UCLA (26-4) on Thursday. Washington will also play No. 2 Arizona (28-3) April 9-11 before consecutive weekends on the road against No. 21 Oregon (24-5) and No. 14 California (28-6).

The rankings could also be shaken up by other big match-ups when Pac-10 conference play kicks off this weekend. No. 10 Arizona State (31-4) will host in-state rival Arizona Thursday, Friday and Saturday, while No. 11 Stanford (25-5) will also host Cal. Oregon plays unranked Oregon State.

With momentum from topping No. 20 Illinois (23-4, 0-1 Big Ten) over the weekend, No. 3 Michigan (24-5, 1-0 Big Ten) is looking toward a home series against Wisconsin. No. 4 Missouri (23-4, 1-1 Big 12) split a series with now No. 13 Oklahoma (27-8, 1-1 Big 12) but hopes to fare better this weekend against No. 15 Oklahoma State (29-7, 2-0 Big 12).

ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25

March 30 – Week of March 22-28

Dropped Out: Louisville
New to Poll: BYU

Others receiving votes:  San Diego State (15), DePaul (14), Louisville (14), Fordham (10), Hawaii (8), UMass (8), Notre Dame (4), University of Tennessee-Martin (4), Texas Tech (4), ULL (3), Ball State (2), Fresno State (2), Arkansas (1), Central Florida (1) and Hofstra (1).