KANSAS CITY, MO. --- The Washburn Ichabods women's basketball team was selected eighth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches' Poll, released Thursday by the conference office.
The Ichabods, which finished last season 17-12 with a 10-9 record in the MIAA, received 88 points.
Central Missouri topped the MIAA Preseason Coaches' Poll as it garnered seven first-place votes and 158 total points. Pittsburg State followed with 157 points and four first-place votes. Emporia State received two first-place votes and 150 points as it was listed third. Central Oklahoma picked up one first-place vote and 138 point with 110 points going to Fort Hays State who was fifth. Missouri Western and Lindewood were listed sixth and seventh respectively with the Griffons earning 106 points and the Lions garnering 96. Southwest Baptist was ninth and trailed Washburn by 10 points. Wrapping up the poll was Nebraska-Kearney at No. 10, Missouri Southern at No. 11, Northwest Missouri at No. 12, Northeastern State took No. 13 with Lincoln at No. 14.
Washburn will begin its 48th season with an exhibition bout against two-time NCAA National Champion, Baylor. The opening weekend of the regular season will see Ichabods at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo., where they will face Minnesota State-Makato and Mary (S.D.) as part of the Central Region Challenge. Washburn will face the Mavericks on Friday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m., before a Saturday matinee with the Maraurders at 2:30 p.m.
The 2017-18 home opener for Washburn is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 15 as it plays host to Nebraska Christian with tip-off set for 5:30 p.m. Washburn will open the conference slate at home on Wednesday, Dec. 6 as Fort Hays State comes to Lee Arena.
2017-18 MIAAÂ Preseason Coaches' Poll
| Rank |
Team (First-Place votes) |
Total Points |
| 1. |
Central Missouri (7) |
158 |
| 2 |
Pittsburg State (4) |
157 |
| 3. |
Emporia State (2) |
150 |
| 4. |
Central Oklahoma (1) |
138 |
| 5. |
Fort Hays State |
110 |
| 6. |
Missouri Western |
106 |
| 7. |
Lindenwood |
96 |
| 8. |
Washburn |
88 |
| 9. |
Southwest Baptist |
78 |
| 10. |
Nebraska-Kearney |
62 |
| 11. |
Missouri Southern |
49 |
| 12. |
Northwest Missouri |
43 |
| 13. |
Northeastern State |
21 |
| 14. |
Lincoln |
18 |
Â
