(KANSAS CITY, Mo.) – After claiming their third consecutive MIAA championship last season, the Central Missouri Jennies are picked to finish second in the conference in 2012.

The Jennies tallied 131 votes in the poll, including four first-place votes. The Jens were narrowly edged out by the Washburn Lady Blues, who were co-champions last season along with UCM. Washburn earned 137 of a possible 144 points, and were given seven first-place votes.

Coming in third was MIAA newcomer Nebraska-Kearney, who earned two first-place votes. Emporia State, who placed third in last year’s standings, is slated for a fourth-place finish in 2012, tallying 108 points. Rounding out the top five of the poll is Truman, with 102 points heading into their final season of competition in the MIAA.

The Pittsburg State Gorillas take the sixth spot in the poll, with 76 points; PSU finished in seventh place last season. Northwest Missouri sits seventh with 66 points.

The eighth through tenth spots in the poll were decided by just four points, as Fort Hays State (63 points), Missouri Western (62) and newcomers Lindenwood (59) round out the top ten. Southwest Baptist (28 points), Central Oklahoma (27) and Missouri Southern (26) were also close calls at the bottom of the poll.

The Jennies return two All-Americans from last season’s NCAA Elite Eight appearance, in senior Bradye Peniston and junior Julia Bates. The 2012 campaign gets underway Aug. 31, as the Jennies head to Pensacola, Fla. for the West Florida Argo Fall Classic. This year’s home opener is set for Sept. 11, when the Jens host Missouri S&T.