The Lancers leapfrogged Chico State, which has held down the top spot since Feb. 27, but the Wildcats have lost five of their last eight, falling to third place this week. Western Oregon is second.
CBU, which has been second in the region for the last three weeks, garnered four first place votes and 57 total points to narrowly edge Western Oregon (56 points). UC San Diego is fourth and Dixie State is fifth.
The Lancers are currently ranked No. 13 nationally, their highest ranking of the season, and are sure to move up when this week's national poll is released Tuesday. The NCBWA is not the official NCAA ranking, therefore the Lancers are eligible for its poll.
CBU (31-7) has won 10 of its 11 games to eclipse the 30-win plateau for the third consecutive year and seventh time in the past nine seasons. The Lancers return to Pacific West Conference play Thursday when they travel to Grand Canyon for a four-game series.
The Lancers currently lead the PacWest by three games in the loss column over Dixie State with 12 games remaining.
