Interview with Head Women's Basketball Coach Gail Striegler
BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The LIU Brooklyn women's basketball team was selected to finished sixth in the Northeast Conference, according to a poll taken of the leagues coaches. The preseason poll was released Tuesday at NEC Media Day at Barclays Center.
The Blackbirds were picked in the middle of the pack, behind Quinnipiac (who received seven first place votes), defending champions Sacred Heart (four first place votes), Monmouth (one first place vote), Saint Francis (Pa.) and Robert Morris. Rounding out the poll were Mount. St. Mary's in seventh place, followed by Central Connecticut, Bryant, Fairleigh Dickson, St. Francis (N.Y.) and Wagner.
LIU returns one starter and seven letterwinners from a team that went 21-10 in 2011-12, and 10-8 in the NEC. Seniors Ebony Davis, Tamika Guz and Krystal Wells will lead the Blackbirds in the 2012-13 season, along with returners Tiffany Patterson, Cleandra Roberts, Kelly Robinson and Letava Whippy.
The Preseason All-NEC Team featured one player each from the top five teams, including Artemis Spanou (Robert Morris), Felicia Barron (Quinnipiac), Alysha Womack (Monmouth), Alli Williams (Saint Francis (Pa.)) and Gabby Washington (Sacred Heart).
The Blackbirds will open their season on Friday, Nov. 9 at city rival Columbia. Tipoff is set for 12:00 p.m.
NEC Preseason Women's Basketball Coaches Poll
1. Quinnipiac (7)
2. Sacred Heart (4)
3. Monmouth (1)
4. Saint Francis (PA)
5. Robert Morris
6. LIU Brooklyn
7. Mount St. Mary's
8. Central Connecticut
9. Bryant
10. Fairleigh Dickinson
11. St. Francis (NY)
12. Wagner
NEC Preseason Women's Basketball All-Conference Team
Artemis Spanou, Robert Morris (Jr., F)
Felicia Barron, Quinnipiac (Sr., G)
Alysha Womack, Monmouth (Sr., G)
Alli Williams, Saint Francis (PA) (Jr., F)
Gabby Washington, Sacred Heart (So., G)