Oklahoma (81 points) was chosen as the preseason favorite, receiving nine of 10 first-place votes, trailed by Missouri which earned 68 points.
The Aggies, who were selected as the frontrunner the past three years and received one first-place tally, came in third with 60 points, followed by Texas, Nebraska and Baylor. Oklahoma State, Kansas, Texas Tech and Iowa State filled the remaining spots in the preseason rankings.
A&M returns seven starters from a 2008 squad that ended the season with a school-best 57 wins. Returning starters include All-Big 12 first team honorees Alex Reynolds and Holly Ridley and All-Big 12 second team member Natalie Villarreal. The Aggies won their second Big 12 regular season title and first Big 12 Championship en route to its seventh NCAA Women's College World Series appearance and national runner-up finish.
A&M softball kicks off the 2009 season on Friday, Feb. 6, hosting Tulsa and UTSA at the Aggie Softball Complex for the Aggie Classic presented by Honey Baked Ham.
For more information about Texas A&M softball, please log on to AggieAthletics.com.
| Team (first-place votes) | Points |
| 1. Oklahoma (9) | 81 |
| 2. Missouri | 68 |
| 3. Texas A&M (1) | 60 |
| 4. Texas | 58 |
| 5. Nebraska | 46 |
| 6. Baylor | 44 |
| 7. Oklahoma State | 40 |
| 8. Kansas | 25 |
| 9. Texas Tech | 15 |
| 10. Iowa State | 13 |
Â
Â