The Pilots received 518 points after posting a 52-7 record last season. The defending regular season conference champions were ranked No. 8 in the final 2009 poll after making their third consecutive trip to the NAIA National Championship in Decatur, Ala.

The league's top-rated squad opens the 2010 season on Feb. 26 at the Shorter College Invitational.

Defending MCC tournament champion, Marian, is receiving votes in the polls after a 37-9, 14-2 MCC record in 2009. The Knights lost to Bethel in a three-game national championship play-in series at the conclusion of the season.

First pitch of Marian's season is on March 8 when they travel to Kissimmee, Fla., during Spring Break.

Regularly scheduled MCC contests begin on March 23.

Defending national champion, California Baptist, received all 23 first-place votes to take the top spot in the poll.