MARSHALL, Texas — Riding an 8-0 start and two wins over then no. 14 Belhaven University, East Texas Baptist University climbed one spot to No. 8 in this week's National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) poll. The Tigers picked up 180 votes and have outscored opponents 62-15 over their first eight games. This is the 160th straight week that ETBU has been in the national poll.
 
Three of ETBU's upcoming opponents are ranked as they will see them next week in Georgia. ETBU opens against No. 13 Emory on Friday, which moved up from No. 15. Later that day, the Tigers take on No. 23 Berry, which entered the preseason unranked. On Sunday, ETBU faces No. 1 Trine, which received 10 first-place votes.
 
ETBU will compete in the NFCA Leadoff Classic this weekend in Columbus, Ga., beginning with a matchup against Emory at 10 a.m. Friday followed up with a game against Berry at 12:30 p.m.