KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Griffon Softball is picked to finish 7^th out of 13 teams in the MIAA this season, per the preseason coaches' poll released on Friday.

MoWest received 84 points in the voting, sitting behind Washburn in 6^th place and ahead of 8^th place Emporia State.

The Griffons, under second year head coach Nicole Thompson, are coming off of a 32-21 mark last season, including a 12-12 record in MIAA play.

MoWest, who's won 30 games or more in each of the last four seasons, qualified for the MIAA softball tournament last season, falling to Pittsburg State 10-7 in the quarterfinal round.

MoWest brings back a strong core of talent this season with 11 returners, including four of the top five hitters and two starting pitchers from last season.

The Griffons also added 12 players – seven transfers and five freshmen. Four of the new players are pitchers, while eight position players were added as well.

MoWest opens the 2026 season on Friday, January 30 in Mansfield, Texas against Central Region foe Harding. First pitch in that game is set for 2:30 p.m. The Griffons will play in-state rival Drury later that day at 4:45 p.m.