SEASIDE, Calif. — As the Cal State Monterey Bay softball team continues to win on the field, it continues to rise in the polls. Winners of 10 of their last 11 games, the Otters reached their highest-ever ranking for the second consecutive week, climbing to No. 6 in the latest NCAA Division II top 25 poll of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).

CSUMB (18–4 overall) is one of three CCAA teams to reach the top 10 this week and one of five conference schools ranked in the top 25. CSUMB in joined in the poll by No. 5 Cal State Dominguez Hills, No. 9 Chico State, No. 22 UC San Diego and No. 23 Sonoma State.

“The recognition is great for our program, but this week's poll is also a testament to just how strong the conference is as well,” says CSUMB Head Coach Andrea Kenney. “To have three team ranked in the top 10 and five in the top 25 not only is remarkable, but it shows just how difficult it is to win in the CCAA."

After reaching the NCAA Tournament as CCAA Champion in 2010 and CCAA Tournament Champion in 2009, the Otters find themselves in the thick of the race again this season. CSUMB enters this weekend's four–game home series against Humboldt State in second place at 10–2. They are one game ahead of Chico State (9–3) and one game in the loss column behind Dominguez Hills (15–1).

CSUMB and Humboldt will open their series with a doubleheader Saturday and conclude with another doubleheader Sunday, both at the Otter Sports Complex. First pitch each day is scheduled for noon.

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#  SCHOOL                         RECORD POINTS LAST
1  Ala.–Huntsville (9)             13–2    392    1
2  North Georgia (4)               19–3    382    4
3  Angelo State (Texas)            17–3    346    8
4  Valdosta State (Ga.)            11–2    320    5
5  Cal State Dominguez Hills (2)   24–3    279   16
6  Cal State Monterey Bay          18–4    278   10
7  Univ. of Indianapolis           10–1    273   11
8  Armstrong Atlantic State (Ga.)  21–4    269    6
9  Chico State                     15–4    248    3
10 Indiana University of Pa.        0–0    239    9
11 Barry University (Fla.)         18–4    227   13
12 Winona State (Minn.) (1)        10–1    222   17
13 Missouri Western                14–3    208   15
14 West Texas A&M                  11–6    205    2
15 Augustana College(S.D.)          8–3    195    7
16 LIU–C.W. Post (N.Y.)             2–2    194   12
17 Bloomsburg University (Pa.)      6–0    133   18
18 Rollins College (Fla.)          17–4    121   19
19 Abilene Christian (Texas)       14–3    110   25
20 University of Tampa             18–3    106   21
21 Grand Valley State (Mich.)       5–0     74   24
22 UC San Diego                    15–7     59   20
23 Sonoma State                    16–5     55   RV
24 Columbus State (Ga.)            17–7     48   NR
25 Lenoir–Rhyne College (N.C.)     18–5     44   22


Others Receiving Votes: Saginaw Valley 34, West Virginia Wesleyan 25, Flagler 23, Kutztown 18, Central Oklahoma 16, Colorado Mesa 16, Tiffin 13, Merrimack 12, Minnesota St. Mankato 5, Texas Woman's 4, Grand Canyon 3, Tarleton St. 3, Dowling 1

2012 Otter opponents in italics