Big 12 Conference softball coaches picked Kansas to finish ninth in league standings this spring.

The Jayhawks, under first-year coach Megan Smith, were predicted to finish ahead of only Texas Tech in the poll. Colorado and Kansas State do not have softball programs.

Kansas finished last season with a 21-31 record. The Jayhawks lost to Iowa State in the Big 12 tournament in Oklahoma City.

KU will open the season Feb. 12-14 at a tournament in Houston.