Western Oregon, the 16-time GNAC regular season champion, sits atop the 2024 preseason poll, but the race behind them is thrillingly close. Just one point separates WOU (21 points, 2 first-place votes) from Northwest Nazarene (20 points, 1 first-place vote), who met in last year’s championship game.
This tight margin marks only the third time since 2013 that the top three teams have been within eight points of each other. Central Washington and Montana State Billings tie for third with 13 points each, while Saint Martin’s rounds out the poll at fifth.
The Wolves, seeking their third straight regular season title, boast the No. 6 ranking in the NCBWA West Region Preseason Poll. They’ll face stiff competition from 9th-ranked NNU, who despite finishing 17-15 in conference play, reached the GNAC championship final.
Montana State Billings (RV), predicted to make a strong postseason push, finished fourth last year with a 12-18 conference record. Saint Martin’s, rounding out the poll, aims to improve on their 11-19 conference record from 2023.
The 2024 season kicks off on February 1st, with WOU, NNU, CWU, and SMU all in action. MSUB’s season begins February 3rd, with all five teams in action in California. Buckle up for a thrilling GNAC baseball season!
2024 GNAC Preseason Baseball Coaches Poll
- 1) Western Oregon (2 first place votes), 21 pts
- 2) Northwest Nazarene (1), 20 pts
- T3) Central Washington (1), 13 pts
- T3) Montana State Billings (1), 13 pts
- 5) Saint Martin’s, 8 pts
