COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV softball team was picked to finish fifth overall in the 2016 Mountain West Preseason Poll. The Scarlet & Gray received a total of 31 points, in the annual survey conducted by the Conference's nine head coaches.

UNLV will be led on the diamond by 11 returning letterwinners, five of which were primary starters in 2014's lineup. All but one infield starter is back for the 2016 campaign: shortstop Garie Blando, second baseman Alyssa Cordova, utility infielder Jadelyn Yadao-Valdez, and catchers/designated players Brooke Stover and Emily Haslinger. The Rebels return four pitchers from last year who combined for all but five games started and over 83% of the innings pitched. Kwyn Cooper (4.32) and Morgan Ettinger (4.69) had the top two ERA's on the team last season.

Fresno State was tabbed the unanimous favorite to win the league's 2016 title after capturing the program's first Mountain West title with a 20-4 league mark (40-16 overall). The Bulldogs return seven starters and 11 letterwinners including the 2015 Conference Pitcher of the Year, senior right-hander Jill Compton, and Defensive Player of the Year, senior catcher Paige Gum. They are led by reigning MW Coach of the Year, Trisha Ford.

San Diego State brings back five starters and seven letterwinners from its 2015 squad that finished second in the MW standings with an 18-6 conference record (38-20 overall). Headlining the Aztecs group of returners are first-team All-Conference honorees Eric Romero and Jenavee Peres.

San José State was tabbed to finish third with 49 points. New Mexico is fourth with 34 points, followed by UNLV in fifth with 31 points. Teams six through eight are separated by just two points as Utah State ranks sixth with 28 tallies, while Colorado State (27 points) and Nevada, Reno (26 points) rank seventh and eighth, respectively. Boise State rounds out the poll in ninth place with eight points.

2016 MW Softball Preseason Coaches' Poll

Pl. Team (1st place votes) Points
1. Fresno State (8) 64
2. San Diego State (1) 57
3. San José State 49
4. New Mexico 34
5. UNLV 31
6. Utah State 28
7. Colorado State 27
8. Nevada, Reno 26
9. Boise State 8