PEMBROKE, N.C. (NCBWA) Nova Southeastern, one of just three undefeated teams still left standing more than a month into the 2022 season, collected 10 of a possible 19 first-place votes to assume the top spot in the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Division II Top 25 that was released on Wednesday.
The Sharks extended their season-opening win streak out to 17 games with five more wins last week in which they outscored opponents by a nearly 13-2 margin. Nova Southeastern has tacked up more than 11 runs per game (7th NCAA Division II) through its first 17 games this season, while also sporting the nations 11th-best earned run average (2.80) as well. NSU is ranked among NCAA Division II·s top 25 teams in 16 other statistical categories as well.
Wingate, which held the top spot in the national rankings for the last three weeks, still managed to collect seven first-place votes despite absorbing a Tuesday road loss to Lander. California-based Point Loma raked in the other two first-place votes after running its win streak out to five games with a doubleheader sweep of Concordia-Irvine on Saturday.
Six teams re-entered the poll or made their season debut in the national ranking on Wednesday. Concordia-Irvine, West Florida, Mercyhurst and Molloy are back in the Top 25 after short absences this season. East Stroudsburg is nationally ranked for the first time since March 10 (Week 4) of the 2021 regular season, while North Greenville is among the nations top 25 teams for the first time this season after concluding the 2021 campaign in the No. 18 spot.
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 NCBWA All-America voting. The NCBWA also sponsors Division I Players of the Week, the Stopper of the Year, and publication and writing contests.