Oklahoma remains atop the Extra Inning Softball Top 25 poll for the fifth consecutive week, continuing in their reign much like they have continued their winning streak to open the year.
Beneath the Sooners in the top five, though, there are some changes. Virginia Tech moves to its highest ranking of the year at #2 overall, while UCLA moves back into the top three at #3. Alabama falls to #4 after losing a pair of games to LSU, while Duke maintains its position at #5 to round out the top five.
After sweeping two games from Missouri in convincing fashion to open SEC play, Tennessee is the week’s biggest mover, jumping seven spots to the #14 overall ranking in the Week 5 poll. UCF moved up six spots to #19, while LSU moved up five positions to #18.
Two teams are new to the poll in Week 5. Ohio State is ranked for the second time this season, and the Buckeyes enjoy their highest ranking of the season at #23 after a 4-0 weekend in Florida. Western Kentucky is ranked for the first time at #25 after taking two out of three games from previously-ranked Charlotte to open Conference USA play.
Nine SEC teams are ranked, while the PAC-12 and ACC are each represented by four teams in this week’s poll. Other conferences represented in this week’s poll include the Big Ten (3 teams); Big 12 (2 teams); American (2); and Conference USA (1).
Extra Inning Softball‘s Top 25 voting group includes working media members who regularly cover softball, as well as a group of coaches and SIDs.
New to Poll: #23 Ohio State, #25 Western Kentucky
Dropped Out: Charlotte, Oregon State
