PEMBROKE, N.C. (NCBWA) – A perfect 7-0 start to the newest campaign has allowed the defending national champions to reclaim their perch atop the National College Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Top 25 as Wingate raked in a dozen first place votes to swap places with Tampa in the latest listing by the organization.

The Bulldogs claimed home series wins over both Coker and Charleston (W.Va.) to start the season, but accentuated a hot start to 2022 by registering an 8-5 win over then-No. 13 Mount Olive in between. The Bulldogs have already drawn more than 50 walks this season, while ranking among the nation’s top 10 teams in hit by pitches as well. The Spartans, meanwhile, split a doubleheader at Georgia College on opening day, but have since rattled off five-straight victories.

Ten new teams entered the top 25 this week, including Montevallo who is among the nation’s top 25 teams for the first time since Week 6 (March 28) of the 2005 season. Henderson State is in the NCBWA Top 25 for the first time in nearly seven seasons (2015, Week 3), while Lynn makes its first appearance in the top 25 since March 21, 2017 (Week 5).

Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of the sport. Members receive a membership card, directory, newsletter updates and official votes in the Dick Howser Trophy, Regional Players of the Year and NCBWA All-America voting. The NCBWA also sponsors Division I Players of the Week, the Stopper of the Year, and publication and writing contests.