MSSU women's basketball picked to finish 10th in MIAA preseason coaches poll

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern women's basketball team has been picked to finish tenth in the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) coaches preseason poll announced Tuesday morning as part of MIAA Virtual Media Day.

The Lions finished 10-18 overall last season and 7-12 in the MIAA as they secured a berth into the postseason tournament last March. As a team the Lions were the best at blocking shots averaging 5.11 per game while finishing 12th in Division II.

Southern will be returning eight from last year's team with six having starting experience. Leading the charge will be Zoe Campbell who finished the season with a conference-best 62 blocks and was third on the team in scoring (8.8 ppg).

Fellow seniors Brooke Stauffer and Megan Jackson are partnered with Carley Turnbull to help guide the Lions through an all MIAA schedule. Junior Layne Skiles and Kaiulani Jones provide the Lions an experienced back court as sophomores Emily Kuntze and Madi Stokes add depth to their positions.

Emporia State topped the coaches poll with four first-place votes after finishing last season runners-up in the MIAA Women's Basketball Championship. Nebraska-Kearney followed up in second with the most first-place votes being selected with six, while defending regular season and MIAA tournament champions Central Missouri slotted in third with three first-place votes.

Pittsburg State and Fort Hays State rounded out the top five with the Tigers picking up a first-place vote.

The Lions will head to Edmond, Oklahoma to open up the 2020-21 season with Central Oklahoma on Nov. 19 at 5:30.

Fans can watch the MSSU portion of MIAA Virtual Media Day today by logging on to www.themiaanetwork.com. Southern's portion will start at 1:15 pm.

2020-2021 MIAA Women's Basketball Coaches Preseason Poll
1. Emporia State (4) - 153 points
2. Nebraska Kearney (6) - 146 points
3. Central Missouri (3) - 143 points
4. Pittsburg State - 140 points
5. Fort Hays State (1) - 125 points
6. Missouri Western - 109 points
7. Central Oklahoma - 104 points
8. Washburn - 79 points
9. Northwest Missouri - 76 points
10. Missouri Southern - 65 points
11. Newman - 55 points
12. Northeastern State - 37 points
13. Rogers State - 28 points
14. Lincoln - 14 points
*Coaches Cannot Vote For Their Own Team