8 predictions for Cary and the DII baseball Power 10 rankings

The DII baseball selection show is just days away, streaming right here on NCAA.com at 10 p.m. ET this Sunday, May 14. Before the tournament begins, we have one more Power 10 rankings to uncover.

Despite Mount Olive winning the Conference Carolinas tournament after North Greenville was surprisingly ousted (dropping back-to-back games no less) the Crusaders are still our No. 1 team. To be honest, there was a really strong case for Millersville to jump a few people and take the No. 1 spot until the Marauders, too, were ousted from the PSAC tournament in upset fashion. The balance of the Marauders roster gives their metrics — which are some of the best in DII baseball — a big boost. Instead, the Crusaders go from the preseason to the final rankings before the tournament as the No. 1 team — a first in the history of these Power 10 rankings. 

Now, with all the regional rankings in the books and many conference tourneys underway, let’s make a first prediction for who makes it to Cary, NC for the DII baseball finals. My official predictions will come next week after the selection show.

8 for Cary

Atlantic: Millersville — The Marauders will be fueled by that stunner to Indiana (PA) and avenge the early season series loss to East Stroudsburg. But Seton Hill makes a compelling case — these Griffins are a really good team and may have this spot next week.
Central: Central Missouri — The meaningful series and games the Mules have won down the stretch make them a contender to win it all.
East: Franklin Pierce — If I’m being honest, I really like this SNHU Penmen team. But the East is known for surprises, and if the Ravens roll to the NE10 title and have that momentum, watch out. 
Midwest: Quincy — This is a team that has shown it can beat anyone, including Illinois Springfield, which will be a huge obstacle in reaching Cary. However, this year seems like a year of destiny for the Hawks. 
South Central: Angelo State — As always, this is both the easiest and toughest to project. It’s easy, because at the beginning of the season you can pick the Rams or Mavericks and have a real shot. It’s hard, because those two are in the hunt every year until the last pitch. Right now, with the Rams the host seed, they have the edge, but if something happens and Mesa becomes the host, my prediction will change. 
South: Tampa — Can Rollins keep the momentum going and make it two trips in a row? Maybe, but I think we are heading to a very deep run for…