Illinois Wesleyan's softball team was ranked No. 5 in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division III Top 25 preseason poll.
The Titans were 37-15 last season and advanced to the NCAA Tournament final round for the second year in a row. They open the season March 2 at a tournament in Tucson, Ariz.
IWU received 171 points in the poll. Defending national champion Virginia Wesleyan topped the poll with 200 points.
Runyon on watch list: IWU centerfielder Jillian Runyon was among 50 softball players on the Schutt Sports/National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division III National Player of the Year watch list.