Yellowjackets Drop in Regional Poll (2/22/06)

BILLINGS, MT – Although the Yellowjackets (19-4, 9-1) chalked up three wins in a row last week against Incarnate Word and St. Mary’s, the team slid two spots in the South Central Region Poll to the No. 7 position. 

Southwest Baptist maintained the top ranking in the South Central Region.  They are followed by Tarleton State, Truman, and Central Missouri State.  The top eight teams in the final regional poll receive an invitation to the NCAA tournament.  In Division II, the NCAA Tournament is comprised of eight, eight-team regions.  The winner of the Heartland Conference playoffs will receive an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament.

The Yellowjackets are on the road this week playing their final three games of the regular season.  The team traveled to Goodwell, Oklahoma to play a conference game against the Aggies on Wednesday, February 22 before heading to Western New Mexico University.  The Jackets will play a conference game Friday, February 24 followed by a non-conference regional counter Saturday, February 25 against the Mustangs.  The Yellowjackets have secured a playoff berth for the Heartland Conference Tournament.  The first game will be played at Alterowitz Gymnasium Wednesday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m.  Purchase your tickets in advance by calling the Yellowjacket Athletics department at 657-2369.

NCAA South Central Region Poll
(DII Record, In-Region Record)
1. Southwest Baptist (18-4, 14-4); 2. Tarleton State (17-4, 17-2); 3. Truman (16-4, 12-4); 4. Central Missouri State (14-6, 13-6); 5. Northwest Missouri State (13-8, 13-6); 6. West Texas A&M (17-6, 13-6); 7. Montana State-Billings ((15-4, 15-4); 8. Southeastern Oklahoma State (14-7, 12-7); 9. St. Edward’s (13-5, 12-4); 10. Texas A&M Kingsville (14-9, 14-9).