Feb. 1, 2006

LAS VEGAS - The 2005 Mountain West Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll was released today with BYU taking the top-spot over UNLV, although each received three first-place votes. The Cougars picked up 23 total points as compared to UNLV's 22.

UNLV closed out 2005 with a record of 44-19, which included a 17-3 mark in MWC regular season play, and a trip to the program's eighth NCAA Regional. The Rebels return four of its five 2005 All-MWC Team members, which includes NFCA All-America and the 2005 MWC Freshman of the Year Marissa Nichols. Caitlyn Paus and Brittany Meade joined Nichols with NFCA recognition of their own as each were named to the All-West Regions squads (Paus-first team, Meade-second team).

BYU, which had an equally impressive 2005 season with a 45-14 overall record and 16-2 in the MWC, advanced to the the NCAA Regionals by virtue of winning the MWC Softball Championship game and also, won the regular season title by one-game over UNLV. The Cougars return 13 letterwinners, which includes four of its five 2005 All-MWC performers.

San Diego State, 27-30 overall (4-16 MWC) placed third in the poll with 16 points and will be led by All-MWC Celena Velasquez. The Aztecs are chosen to make the biggest increase over their 2005 season, as SDSU only won four conference games and finished in sixth-place. Colorado State, 30-22, (8-8 MWC) received 14 points for fourth-place following its third-place finish in 2005. The Rams return four all-conference players, including Jessica Strickland. Utah (21-29 overall, 6-12 MWC) and New Mexico (16-34 overall, 5-15 MWC) were tabbed to finish fifth and sixth, respectively after they both placed

2006 MWC Preseason Coaches' PollPlace    Team (1st-place votes)   Points1.  BYU (3)                  232.  UNLV (3)                     223.  San Diego State         164.  Colorado State          145.  Utah                     86.  New Mexico          7