ERIE, Pa. – The Gannon women's basketball team has been predicted to finish fourth in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division, according to the 2011 PSAC Preseason Coaches Poll released Thursday afternoon in conjunction with the league's Media Day luncheons which took place at college campuses throughout the state.
Defending champion Edinboro was the unanimous preseason favorite after garnering all eight first-place votes. California (Pa.) checked in at No. 2, followed by Indiana (Pa.) and Gannon to round out the top four. Lock Haven, Mercyhurst, Slippery Rock and Clarion accounted for the final four schools in the poll.
In the Eastern Division, Bloomsburg was also picked to repeat as champions, taking five first-place votes. Millersville was second, earning two first place votes. West Chester was third, with the final first-place nod. The remainder of the poll tabbed Kutztown fourth, followed by Shippensburg, East Stroudsburg, Mansfield and Cheyney.
Edinboro represented one half of the Preseason All-PSAC Western Division team with three Fighting Scots named to the team. Kiara Brown, Renee Brown and Darche Jackson were all tabbed as preseason favorites. Amy Johns of California (Pa.), Sarah Pastorek of Indiana (Pa.) and Danielle Smith of Slippery Rock were also selected.
In the East two players from each of the top three teams comprised the preseason all-conference team. Kelsey Gallagher and Dana Wieller of Bloomsburg, Mashira Newman and Aurielle Mosley of Millersville and Allison Hostetter and Alex Lennon of West Chester comprised the team.
Gannon returns five letterwinners and four Lady Knights who started at least nine games last season. Gannon finished fifth in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division with a 13-13 overall record and a 5-9 mark in conference games. The Lady Knights kicked off the 2011-12 preseason with a 3-1 record during the team's international trip through Canada.
Head coach Cleve Wright's squad opens the 2011-12 regular-season Monday, November 14 against Penn State Greater Allegheny at the Hammermill Center. Game time is scheduled for 6 p.m.
For the complete 2011 PSAC Women's Basketball Coaches Preseason Poll, please click here.
