April 26, 2002

Chicago, Ill. -The UIC softball team finds itself ranked ninth in the Mideast Regional poll released earlier this morning.

The Flames, who are riding a nine-game winning streak, are one of three non-Big 10 teams in the poll, joining Central Michigan (6th) and Akron (10th) from the Mid-American Conference.

UIC did post three wins over Big 10 competition last week, including a 2-1 triumph over Wisconsin, which was ranked seventh in this week's poll.

The Flames will look to continue their winning streak on Saturday, April 27 as they battle city-rival Loyola in a pivotal Horizon League doubleheader at 1:00 p.m.

Mideast Regional Poll (April 25, 2002)

1. Michigan (36-9)

2. Ohio State (44-9)

3. Iowa (29-16)

4. Minnesota (33-16)

5. Northwestern (21-14)

6. Central Michigan (25-13)

7. Wisconsin (25-15)

8. Penn State (25-21)

9. UIC (30-18)

10. Akron (25-9)