LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) released its third national poll of the regular season on Tuesday, placing Rogers State softball at No. 12 with 213 points. RSU jumped a spot from No. 13 in last week's poll.
 
The Hillcats enter the week with an 11-4 record after splitting a doubleheader against No. 13 Oklahoma Christian last week at home. Rogers State won the first game, 6-1, but fell in the second game, 4-3, in extra innings. Chloe Cardona had a standout performance, hitting 6-for-6 and tying a program record with four hits in the first game. Harley Culie (5-2) was excellent in the circle with eight strikeouts in 7.0 innings to claim her fifth win of the season.
 
Cal State San Marcos claimed the top spot in the poll. Among teams from the MIAA, Missouri Southern dropped two spots to No. 9, while Central Oklahoma moved up one spot to No. 17. Pittsburg State, still undefeated at 17-0, made its first appearance in the rankings at No. 23. Additionally, Washburn is now receiving votes.
 
The Hillcats are set to face Missouri S&T in a doubleheader tomorrow at 2 and 4 p.m. at the RCB Bank Sports Complex. They will also compete in the Top Gun Midwest College Classic from February 28 to March 1 in Shawnee, Kansas, starting against Augustana (S.D.) at 10 a.m. on Saturday. On the same day, they will play Maryville (Mo.) at 12:15 p.m., followed by contests against Minnesota Duluth and Truman State (Mo.) on Sunday at 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.