RICE TOPS NCBWA TOP 30 POLL

DALLAS (NCBWA) The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association
continues its tradition of NCAA Division I polls for the ninth year with
its 2006 preseason predictions and weekly surveys. Weekly polls will continue
through June 27, following the NCAA World Series in Omaha, Neb.


After five weeks and four other top-ranked teams, the Rice Owls
have climbed back to No. 1. Rice has won 14 straight games and jumped over
North Carolina, which fell to No. 2, despite a 4-0 week of its own. Rice
has not lost since March 24 and is now 32-8 overall.


The ACC, with eight teams in the poll, has the most ranked teams of any
conference. Overall, this week's poll has representation by 12 different
conferences among the 284 baseball-playing schools in the NCAA Division
I ranks.


Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college
baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of
the sport. Members receive a membership card, directory, newsletter updates
and official votes in the Dick Howser Trophy, Regional Players of the Year
and Pro-Line Cap/NCBWA All-America voting. The NCBWA also sponsors the Pro-Line
Cap Division I Players of the Week, the Stopper of the Year, and publication
and writing contests.