Feb. 8, 2013

Stanford stands on top of Pac-12 Preseason Coaches’ Poll

Stanford edged UCLA and Oregon State for the top spot in the Pac-12 Conference Preseason Poll, in voting by the league’s head coaches as released by the conference office.

The Cardinal, under head coach Mark Marquess (left),  received five first-place votes and 93 points to assume the role of league favorite. The Bruins picked up a pair of first-place votes and 90 points to sit in second. The Beavers earned three first-place votes and 87 points to finish third. Oregon was fourth with 73 points, while defending national champion Arizona came in fifth with 65 points. Arizona State was sixth and California came in seventh. USC and Washington State tied for eighth, followed by Washington and Utah.

UCLA and Arizona were Pac-12 co-champions in 2012. The Bruins advanced to the College World Series along with the Wildcats.

The 2013 campaign begins on Friday, Feb. 15, with all 11 teams in action. Conference play kicks off the weekend of March 15-17, highlighted by Oregon State at Arizona. The winner of the regular-season title earns the Pac-12’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

2013 Pac-12 Preseason Poll

Team, Points (First Place) (2012 Pac-12, Overall Records)

1. Stanford 93 (5) (18-12, 41-18)

2. UCLA 90 (2) (20-10, 48-16)

3. Oregon State 87 (3) (18-12, 40-20)

4. Oregon 73 (19-11, 46-19)

5. Arizona 65 (20-10, 48-17)

6. Arizona State 58 (18-12, 36-20)

7. California 40 (12-18, 29-25)

t8. USC 32 (8-22, 23-32)

t8. Washington State 32 (12-18, 28-28)

10. Washington 28 (13-17, 30-25)

11. Utah 12 (7-23, 14-42)

(photo by Zach Sanderson, StanfordPhoto.com)