Big 12 Conference softball coaches have picked Kansas University’s softball squad to finish eighth in the league in 2005, according to the preseason poll. Texas is the favorite to win the league, followed by Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Baylor, Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma State, KU, Texas Tech and Iowa State.

KU will begin its 2005 season Feb. 4 at the Pepsi Classic in Tucson, Ariz.