LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Shawnee State University and University of Rio Grande open the 2010 season in the NAIA Coaches' Preseason Top-25 Poll, announced by the NAIA on Wednesday.

Shawnee State is ranked No. 3 in the poll after receiving 516 voting points from a national panel of coaches representing the conferences, unaffiliated groups and independents.

The Bears finished fourth a season ago at the NAIA National Championships in Vancouver, Wash.

Shawnee State -- making their Mid-South Conference debut in 2010 -- is the preseason favorite to win the MSC title.

Rio Grande is No. 24 in the preseason poll with 149 voting points.

The Redstorm captured the 2009 MSC championship last November and finished 21st at the NAIA National Championships.

Defending national champions Malone (Ohio) University is No. 1 after receiving 555 voting points, including 15 first-place votes. Southern Oregon University is No. 2 with 546 voting points and the final five first-place votes.