The Bemidji State University softball team was selected to finish 14th in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Preseason Coaches’ Poll. Senior Lyndsey Peterson and junior Jessica Yost were named Bemidji State’s players to watch for the 2016 season.

Defending NSIC Tournament Champions, Winona State University, garnered the most points in the poll after receiving nine first place votes and 219 points. Regular season champions Augustana University finished second in the poll with four first place votes and 208 points. Minnesota State University, Mankota was voted third with three first place votes and 198 points.

The preseason coaches’ poll is based off each coach ranking each team from 15 to 1 with the top team receiving 15 points, second 14, third 13, etc.

Bemidji State begins the 2016 season Feb. 22 when they take part in the Dragon-Beaver Battle hosted at the West St. Paul Dome in St. Paul, Minn. The Beavers will play Minnesota Duluth, Central Lakes College, and Minnesota State University Moorhead during the tournament.