PROVO -- Following a dream season and after capturing its second MWC title Saturday in San Diego, BYU softball cracked the top 25 for the first time in the history of the program.
The ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 Poll announced Tuesday afternoon the BYU softball team is ranked as 25th best team in the nation.
"It's taken a lot of hard work to get that recognition," BYU softball head coach Eakin said. "We've been on the edge of the top 25 all year long and we're excited to be recognized among some of the best teams in the country."
The Cougars (44-12, 16-2 MWC) head out to Fresno for the NCAA Regionals May 19-21 as they open the tournament against No. 2 California Thursday at 8:30 p.m.
Upon sweeping the MWC title Senior Lauren Watson-Perry took home Player of the Year honors while BYU placed a conference-high six athletes on the All-MWC team, including Debbie Dodds, Ianeta Le'i, Ashlyn Russell, Summer Tobias, Daniella Urincho and Watson-Perry.
"We've known all year long that we had a very special group here and a very talented team," Eakin said.
Fans may listen to the tournament games live on BYU Radio by going to www.byuradio.org.