Averett women fifth in USA South preseason basketball poll

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Averett was voted fifth in the USA South Conference preseason women’s basketball poll, the conference announced on Wednesday. Christopher Newport University was selected as the favorite. Last season, the Captains captured the USA South Tournament Championship, their second title in three years.

CNU received seven of 10 first-place votes (79 points), as head coaches do not vote for their own teams in the balloting.

Ferrum College finished second in the poll with 70 points and two first-place votes. Shenandoah University finished third in the poll with 62 points and grabbed the final first-place vote. Methodist University placed fourth with 56 points while Averett and defending regular season champion Greensboro College tied in the fifth spot with 48 points.

The Cougars lost two starters to graduation from a team that finished 14-12 overall and 10-8 in the USA South in 2008-09. Averett opens the season on Nov. 17 at Bennett College in Greensboro.

Rank   Institution (First-place votes)    Pts.
1.    Christopher Newport (7)    79
2.    Ferrum (2)    70
3.    Shenandoah (1)    62
4.    Methodist   56
t-5.    Averett   48
t-5.    Greensboro   48
t-7.    Meredith   27
t-7.    Peace   27
9.    N.C. Wesleyan   18
10.    Mary Baldwin   15