No. 20...And Second In The NWC?

If polls are about respect, then it's about time that Pacific softball received some.

Last year, the Boxers' 31-9 record should have gained them at least a spot among those receiving votes in the NFCA Division III National Poll. It didn't, and while the poll has no influence on selections for the NCAA Tournament, the combination of no rankings and no poll certainly stung.

As 2009 begins, Pacific is earning some national respect. The Boxers open the year ranked No. 20 in the NFCA Division III Top 25 Poll. They open the year ranked above Willamette, who is No. 23, and defending NWC champion Linfield, who among others receiving votes.

So what about the recent NWC Coaches Poll? The conference's coaches have picked Linfield to repeat, gving the Wildcats six of eight first place votes. Pacific is picked second, earning two first place votes, while Willamette is picked third.

While that may seem like a slap in the face, the conference poll is probably closer to spot on than the national poll. Consider these facts: Linfield has won the last five NWC championships, won the Division III national championship in 2007 and beat the Boxers three out of four times.

If you look at those facts on paper, then Linfield is definitely the team to beat.

What will help Pacific, though, is that Linfield loses five players, including four infielders, all of whom were First Team All-NWC stars. While Pacific also lost some key players, including catcher Caitlin Mastenbroek, pitcher Andrea Bansen and outfielder Amy Walters, the Boxers have the advantage in terms of lineup. Pacific returns all-conference players at all but one position (Brooke Toy shifts to catcher, Carrie Maerz becomes the regular shortstop), an all-region hurler in Miranda McNealy and all-conference outfielders in Kristen Croxford and Stephanie Vanoudenhaegen.

Whether it is the No. 20 national ranking or the second place NWC prediction, Head Coach Tim Hill takes both as a compliment and a sign that others are thinking more of Pacific softball.

"Obviously when you raise your expectations and try to get better, you hope that other people show a little respect to your program. I didn't feel last year that we got any respect at all. Why? I don't know. But I think the fact that people have taken notice is a step forward for the program."

Unlike many coaches, Hill likes polls. They're fun for players and fans and are great for motivation, but he is quick to caution players that when they take the field, the number really means nothing.

"I really enjoy them, but it doesn't mean you're a better team. It doesn't make you a better player. It doesn't do anything for you on the field, so we'll treat it that way. With that said, I told the team that being No. 20 isn't good enough. There's a long ways to go so we will treat it as some motivation."

The Pacific softball season begins in a week and a half as the Boxers host Corban for a doubleheader on Mon., Feb. 16, at 4 p.m.