LA MIRADA, Calif. — Following its remarkable run to the NCAA Division II Softball Championship series in spring 2021, Biola Softball begins its 2022 journey as the No. 3 team in NCAA Division II.

The National Fastpitch Coaches' Association released its preseason rankings Tuesday morning with Biola placing behind only No. 1 University of Texas-Tyler and No. 2 Augustana.

Head Coach Kristin Halte's Eagles received three first-place votes and were the highest-ranked team coming out of the PacWest Conference and the entire west region.

Notably, Biola came in ranked just ahead of last year's champions, the West Texas A&M Buffs. BU earned 365 points in the poll while the Buffs had 360. 

PacWest rival and west region runner-up Concordia Irvine was the next-best ranked west region team, placing 10th in the opening poll with 240 total points. CUI finished 2021 as the No. 12 team.

Biola returns much of its roster from last year's championship run, including PacWest Conference Co-Female Athlete of the Year Paige Austin. Seven of its nine regular starters are back from the 2021 team, including its full outfield, the corner infielders and every member of the pitching staff. 

The Eagles will miss Kayla Neff, Ruth Munoz, Kylie Velasco and Haley Martinez, but have reloaded with a talented true freshman class.

The first look at 2022 Biola Softball will be at home this Saturday at noon as BU hosts Hope International for a scrimmage. There will be no live coverage of that contest, but spectators are welcome in-person.

The No. 3 Eagles will officially begin the year Feb. 3 with a 2 p.m. home contest against Northwest Nazarene.