Salukis picked eighth in MVC Preseason Poll
10/29/2012 | 12:00:00 | Women's Basketball
Oct. 29, 2012
SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill.-- The Southern Illinois women's basketball team was selected eighth in the Missouri Valley Conference preseason poll, which was released Monday.
The annual poll of league coaches, media and sports information directors resulted in 123 points for the Salukis. Southern returns four starters from a team went 8-22 overall and finished ninth in the Valley last season with a 4-14 record in league play.
"I don't put much thought into preseason rankings," said SIU head coach Missy Tiber. "I am more concerned with the daily development of our kids and where our team will be come March."
Defending MVC Tournament champion Creighton topped the poll with 382 points and 26 first-place votes. The Bluejays are led by preseason MVC Player of the Year Carli Tritz.
Wichita State was picked second in the poll with 347 points and 12 first-place votes while Illinois State garnered 323 points and the remaining two first-place votes.
2012-13 MVC Women's Basketball Preseason Poll
1. Creighton (26) -- 382
2. Wichita State (12) -- 347
3. Illinois State (2) -- 323
4. Northern Iowa -- 272
5. Missouri State -- 265
6. Bradley -- 144
7. Indiana State -- 135
8. Southern Illinois -- 123
9. Drake -- 121
10. Evansville --119
(first-place votes)
Preseason All-Conference Team
Carli Tritz, Creighton (Preseason Player of the Year)
Jessica Diamond, Wichita State
Jacqui Kalin, Northern Iowa
Jamie Russell, Illinois State
Christiana Shorter, Missouri State