Kearney, Neb. - The Nebraska-Kearney softball team has been picked 10th in the 2012 Preseason RMAC coaches poll.

The poll, and preseason team, is voted upon by the league's head coaches. They cannot vote for their own players or team.

UNK, which went 16-29 (16-21 RMAC) in 2011, received 121 points to come in ahead of Fort Lewis, Colorado Christian, New Mexico Highlands and Black Hills State (S.D.).

This is the first year CCU is fielding a softball team while BHSU is an associate member of the RMAC this spring. The Hornets become a full member once UNK leaves for the MIAA this July.

Colorado School of Mines, with 22 points and seven first place nods, is the preseason favorite with Regis, at 42 points and one first place vote second.

Rounding out the top five are Metro State (51), Colorado Mesa (52) and Adams State (54). Each of these schools, plus CSU-Pueblo, received at least one first place vote.

UNK didn't have a player chosen to the 12-member preseason team. Junior OF Katelyn Lovato of Adams is the Preseason Player of the Year with junior Kelly Unkrich of Mines the Preseason Pitcher of the Year.

The Lopers, with five seniors on the roster, start the year February 14th at Fort Hays State. To see the complete poll and team, click HERE.