The Missouri Western women’s tennis team was picked to finish 10th in the 2014 MIAA Preseason poll which was released this morning, Friday, January 24 by the league office.

The Griffons received 19 points in the poll leading 11th place selection Lincoln (19) by nine points. The Southwest Baptist Bearcats finished in 1st place with 100 points and 10 first place votes while 2nd place Northeastern State had 91 points while receiving the final first place vote.

Central Oklahoma, Northwest Missouri State and Nebraska-Kearney sit 3rd though 5th with 82, 70 and 61 points respectively while Washburn (56), Emporia State (46), Lindenwood (37) and Fort Hays State (33) wrap up the poll in 6th through 9th respectively.

The Griffons return eight players from a squad that finished  6-16 overall and 2-9 in MIAA play. They will be under the direction of long time Griffon men’s basketball coach Tom Smith as he replaces Ron Selkirk. The Griffons also welcome first year graduate assistant Raven Searcy to the staff.

Ceara Boldridge had the best season for the Griffons finishing 11-11 in singles competition which included a 4-7 record in MIAA play. Lindsey Beger and Denise Chiao also had nice seasons both winning seven matches. In double competition Alyssa Dougan and Kayla Dysart had a solid year finishing with a 6-7 overall record. The Griffons open up the 2014 season on Saturday, February 8 when they take on Evangel and Stephens College in Springfield, Mo. Start times are still to be determined.

2014 MIAA Preseason Women’s Tennis Coaches Poll
1. Southwest Baptist (10)  100
2. Northeastern State (1)    91
3. Central Oklahoma           82
4. Northwest Missouri         70
5. Nebraska-Kearney          61
6. Washburn                         56
7. Emporia State                  46
8. Lindenwood                     37
9. Fort Hays State                33
10. Missouri Western        19
11. Lincoln                            10

— MWSU Sports Information —