Feb. 8, 2013

Coaches' Preseason All-MWC team

New Mexico sits atop Mountain West Preseason Poll

Defending champion New Mexico is expected to repeat in the Mountain West Conference Preseason Poll, in voting by the league’s head coaches and released by the conference office.

The Lobos picked up five first-place votes and 35 points to outdistance second-place San Diego State, with one first-place vote and 26 points. Nevada came in third, followed by conference-newcomer Fresno State, UNLV and Air Force.

New Mexico returns 17 lettermen from a squad that reached the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive season.

The Aztecs bring back 24 lettermen, including 11 pitchers.

The 2013 campaign begins on Friday, Feb. 15, with all six teams in action. Conference play kicks off the weekend of March 15-17. Fresno State will serve as host for the 2013 MWC Championship at Pete Beiden Field. The six-team double elimination tournament will be held May 22-26.

2013 Mountain West Preseason Poll

Team, Points (First Place) (2012 MWC, Overall Records)

1. New Mexico 35 (5) (18-6, 37-24)

2. San Diego State 26 (1) (12-12, 26-34)

3. Nevada 23 (11-7 WAC, 32-25)

4. Fresno State 22 (8-10 WAC, 31-28)

5. UNLV 13 (7-17, 26-31)

6. Air Force 7 (5-19, 14-39)