The Missouri Western Griffon women’s basketball team was tabbed 8th in the MIAA preseason coaches’ poll and 7th in the media poll which were announced today, Tuesday, October 25, 2011 by the league office.
Western received 42 points in the coach’s poll seven points ahead of Fort Hays State University (35 pts.) and five points behind Truman State University (47 pts.). The Washburn Lady Blues led the way in the coach’s poll with 100 points and ten first place votes. The Emporia State Lady Hornets came in second with 87 points and one first place vote while Central Missouri was third with 83 points. Pittsburg State came in fourth with 69 points while Missouri Southern and Northwest Missouri State tied for fifth with 56 points. Southwest Baptist and Lincoln University came in 10th and 11th with 20 and 10 points respectively.
In the media poll, the Griffons were 7th receiving 81 points. Washburn (12) and Emporia State (3) were 1st and 2nd compiling 15 of the of the 16 first place votes. They received 171 and 154 point respectively. Western was eight points ahead of Fort Hays State (73 pts.) and trailed Missouri Southern (105 pts.) by 24 points. Northwest Missouri State was third in the poll with 139 points and one first place vote. Pittsburg State, Central Missouri and Missouri Southern came in fourth, fifth and sixth with 116, 110 and 105 point respectively. Rounding out spots nine through 11 were Truman, Southwest Baptist, and Lincoln with 52, 38 and 17 points respectively.
The Griffons are coming off a 14-13 season and went 11-11 in MIAA play. The Griffons made its first trip to the MIAA Tournament since 2007-2008. The Griffons bring back 10 players from a season ago while bringing in seven new faces.
Western will take on the Livin the Dream in an exhibition game on Thursday, November 3 in St. Joseph, Mo. Tip time is set for 5:30 pm from the MWSU Fieldhouse. The Griffons will open the 2011-12 regular season on Saturday, November 12 hosting Quincy University in St. Joseph, Mo. Tip time is set for 5:30 pm from the MWSU Fieldhouse.
2011-12 MIAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PRESEASON COACHES POLL
(First-place votes in parentheses)
1. Washburn (10) – 100 pts.
2. Emporia State (1) – 87 pts.
3. Central Missouri – 83 pts.
4. Pittsburg State – 69 pts.
T5. Missouri Southern – 56 pts.
T5. Northwest Missouri – 56 pts.
7. Truman – 47 pts.
8. Missouri Western – 42 pts.
9. Fort Hays State – 35 pts.
10. Southwest Baptist – 20 pts.
11. Lincoln – 10 pts.
2011-12 MIAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PRESEASON MEDIA POLL
(First place votes in parentheses)
1. Washburn (12) – 171 pts.
2. Emporia State (3) – 154 pts.
3. Northwest Missouri (1) – 139 pts.
4. Pittsburg State – 116 pts.
5. Central Missouri – 110 pts.
6. Missouri Southern – 105 pts.
7. Missouri Western – 81 pts.
8. Fort Hays State – 73 pts.
9. Truman – 52 pts.
10. Southwest Baptist – 38 pts.
11. Lincoln – 17 pts.
— MWSU Sports Information —