For the second straight year, the American University women's basketball team has been selected to finish first in the Patriot League preseason poll, conference officials announced Thursday. Senior guard Lisa Strack has also been honored on the Preseason All-Patriot League Team.
American received 94 points in the poll, including 11 of 16 first-place votes, from the conference's coaches and sports information directors. Lehigh was chosen second with 83 points and three first-place nods while Navy was third with 74 points and the remaining two first-place nods. All coaches and sports information directors were not allowed to vote for their own teams in the poll.
"The best thing about the Patriot League preseason poll coming out is that it means the season is just around the corner," Head Coach Matt Corkery said. "Right now, all of our focus is on getting ready for our tough non conference schedule, which will prepare us for what lies ahead in the league."
This marks the second time in program history that the Eagles have been picked to win the Patriot League since joining the conference in 2001-02. Prior to last season's preseason favorite recognition, American had risen by one spot in the preseason rankings in each of the five previous years (fifth prior to 2006-07, fourth prior to 2007-08, third prior to 2008-09, second prior to 2009-10, and first prior to 2010-11).
Individually, Strack, an All-Patriot League Second Team performer a season ago, has been honored on the league's five-member preseason team. The Langhorne, Pa., native started all 31 games last year, finishing ninth in the conference in scoring with 11.6 points per game while adding 4.6 rpg. She also registered 3.4 assists per game and 1.9 steals per contest, both good for fourth in the league. Additionally, Strack finished in the top-three in the Patriot League in both free throw percentage (78.7 percent) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.3).
Strack helped lead American to a 22-9 record a season ago as the Eagles captured a share of their second straight Patriot League regular season title. AU also reached the conference championship game for the second consecutive campaign. American's 22 victories are tied for the second-most in program history in a single season.
"There is no surprise in seeing Lisa among the preseason All-League honorees," added Corkery. "Without a doubt she is one of the best players in the conference and we are excited to see her recognized in this way."
The Eagles will open up play in 2011-12 with an exhibition game against UDC on tonight, November 3 at 7:00 p.m. at Bender Arena. The regular season will get underway with a road contest at George Mason on Friday, November 11 before the home opener on Sunday, November 13 against James Madison at 2 p.m.
2011-12 Patriot League Preseason Women's Basketball Poll
1. American – 94 points (11 first-place votes)
2. Lehigh – 83 (3)
3. Navy – 74 (2)
4. Bucknell – 58
5. Holy Cross – 52
6. Lafayette – 38
7. Army – 26
8. Colgate – 23
Preseason All-League Team
Lisa Strack, American, Sr., G
Shelby Romine, Bucknell, So., G
Alex Smith, Holy Cross, So., G
Emily Gratch, Lehigh, Sr., F
Alexa Williams, Lehigh, Sr., F
Jade Geif, Navy, So., F
