University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Women?s Basketball Picked Fifth in Big South
10.14.2008 | Women's Basketball
CONCORD, N.C.?UNC Asheville Women's Basketball Team was picked to finish fifth in the Big South Preseason Poll announced by the conference office at its annual Media Day Tuesday afternoon at the Embassy Suites Hotel.
The Bulldogs finished 12-18 last season after winning the Big South Tournament Championship in 2007. Injuries played a key role in the Dogs first losing season in five years.
This season, UNC Asheville returns three starters from last year's team and adds five true freshmen to the squad.
“I think we have a very athletic team,” said head coach Betsy Blose. “If we can stay healthy I think we can be a factor in the conference.”
Last year's regular season and tournament champion, Liberty was picked to once again win the conference title. Winthrop was picked second and High Point third. Radford, who was picked first a year ago is picked fourth this season.
Coastal Carolina and conference newcomer Gardner-Webb tied for sixth. Charleston Southern and Presbyterian rounded out the poll.
“I think we have a chance to be a little better than fifth,” said Blose. “Liberty is obviously the team to beat but I think there is a lot of parity in the league and there will not be much difference between second place and seventh place.”
UNC Asheville opens the regular season on Nov. 14, against Fairfield at the Justice Center. The Bulldogs will play an exhibition game against Mars Hill on Nov. 6, at 7 p.m.
