(PRINCETON, WV)---Results from the 2000-2001 WVIAC Women's Basketball Coaches' pre-season coaches poll. Voting conducted on a 14-13-12-11-10 basis. First place votes in parenthesis. A preview of each team follows the poll.

1. West Liberty State (13) 194
2. Glenville State 172
3. Wheeling Jesuit (1) 170
4. Shepherd 141
5. Fairmont State 128
6. West Virginia Wesleyan 124
7. Charleston 99
8. Alderson-Broaddus 92
9. West Virginia State 76
10. Salem International 72
11. Concord 70
12. Bluefield State 50
13. WVU-Tech 37
14. Davis & Elkins 35

NOTE: Ohio Valley College is not eligible for the 2000-2001 WVIAC women's basketball championship.

ALDERSON-BROADDUS:
Four starters return from last season's 7-20 team for third-year head coach Laurie Herrington-Arnett.

A big key for the Battlers will be sophomore guard Joni Grubb (5-7, Athens, OH), who averaged 17.9 points per game last season as a freshman. Also returning are sophomores Kelli Hurst (5-8, G, Princeton, WV, 9.7 ppg) and Amber Morrison (5-9, F/G, West Milford, WV).

Senior center Jennifer Kisner will be countered for leadership and strong inside play. Kisner (5-11, Fairmont, WV) led A-B in rebounding last season with 8.2 boards per game. She also chipped in with 11.8 points per game. Sophomores Tiffany Smith (5-9, F/G, Coxs Mills, WV) and Paige Smith (5-8, F, Chilicothe, OH) also add depth inside.

Freshman Amy Brewer of Wyoming East High School could contribute at guard and forward for the Battlers.

BLUEFIELD STATE:
Second-year head coach John O'Neal's Lady Blues will have nine new players in 2000-2001. However, BSC welcomes back a pair of starters from the 9-17 team of a year ago.

Lori O'Quinn, a 5-8 senior guard from Haysi, VA, led BSC with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals per game last season. Cassie Miller (5-9, Jr., Peterstown, WV, F) averaged 11 points and 5 rebounds a year ago.

O'Neal is optimistic about his crop of newcomers. Erika McGowen, a 6-1 junior college transfer from Panola JC, provides needed size. G Tracy Wyatt (Mercer Christian), G Jessica Setser (Mercer Christian), and G Amanda Williams (Summers County) each bring state championship experience to the BSC program.

The Lady Blues also brought in local products in F Misty Short (Graham HS/Bluefield, VA) and G Amanda Harman of Welch's Mount View High School.

CHARLESTON:
Head coach Linda Bennett's club suffered through a uncharacteristic 8-19 campaign in 1999-2000, but four returning starters and eight returning letterwinners look to things around in the Capital City.

The UC backcourt is capable hands with the return of starters Jenny Rump (5-5, Jr, Taylors Mill, KY, 6.0 ppg, 3.2 apg) and leading scorer Jennifer Turner (5-5, Soph., Terre Haute, IN, 12.8 ppg). Reserve Maryann Kennedy averaged just under 10 points per game in ‘99-00. Transfer senior Brandy Agee, who averaged 8 points and 7 assists per game last season at Salem-Teikyo, could play a big role in the guard rotation.

Senior Jamie Totten (6-0, Hurricane, WV) averaged 9 points and 8 rebounds last season and anchors the Eagles inside the paint. Junior Julie Marsh (5-11, Portland, IN) averaged 7 points and 6 rebounds and can play inside or outside.

The freshman class at UC adds a dose of height to the program. Each of the five freshman are 5-9 or taller, and four are 5-11 or taller.

CONCORD:
Concord will be looking for the first winning season in ten years under new head coach Kenny Osborne. However, the Lady Lions will have to rely on a youth-dominated club in 2000-2001.

Concord has only one senior, but four starters do return from last season's 9-17 team. The backcourt remains intact with guards Dusty Crum (5-7, Soph., 7.8 ppg, 3.1 apg) and Andi Manspile (5-6, Jr., 7.4 ppg). Crum started 26 games a year ago, while Manspile will be counted on to provide leadership to a young team. Sophomore Jennifer Pollinger (5-9, Soph., 6.0 ppg) started six contests last season and will be a part of the guard rotation.

Juniors Crystal Kestner (5-9, 10.1ppg, 8.5 rpg) and Christina Plutz (5-10, 6.2 ppg) are back at forward. Kestner is the team's top returning scorer and rebounder. Senior Megan Johnson (5-7, 2.4 ppg) provides experience.

Freshman centers Renee Gagnier (6-2, Cave Spring, VA HS) and Amanda Preston (6-1, Tolsia HS) are the team's tallest players. Gagnier scored 12.4 points per game and pulled down 8.2 rebounds as a high school senior. Freshmen Kim Shutt (5-8, F, Mercer Christian HS) and Jessica Walls (5-11, Fr, F, Morgantown University HS) also could contribute.

DAVIS & ELKINS:
The Lady Senators look to be greatly improved after finishing 5-22 with a young squad in 1999-2000. Second year head coach Jay Dailer brings back four starters and a strong recruiting class gives hope for the future.

The guard tandem of Mary Walters (5-9, Sr.) And Gail Rasor (5-9, Jr.) each earned third team all-league honors last season. Walters led the team in scoring at 14 points and rated among the league's assist leaders with five per game. Rasor chipped in with 12 points and nearly 7 rebounds per contest in 1999-2000.

WVIAC All-Freshman selection Courtney Black is back at one forward spot. Black scored 8 points and pulled down 5 caroms per game as a freshman. 6-2 junior center Whitney Grove started 23 games a year ago and is an inside presence. 5-10 junior fowards Beth Maurer and Kim Barnhart also factor into the D&E inside game.

The six-player recruiting class, described as "very good" by Dailer, includes: F Morgan Johnson (5-10, Turner Ashby HS, VA), F/C Nadia Abbondanza (6-0, Seton-LaSalle HS, PA), 5-6 guard Danielle Oates of Petersburg HS, Alexis Kinkaid (5-10, F, Serra Catholic HS, PA), April Deltsch (5-6, G, Hickory, PA), and Paula Postell (6-0, C, Annapolis, MD).

FAIRMONT STATE:
Seven talented returnees greet new head coach Steve McDonald as he takes the helm of the Lady Falcons. FSC finished 18-10 last season and is looking for better things this season.

1999-2000 WVIAC Freshman of the Year Jennifer Wilson (6-1, C, 12.1 ppg, 8.1 rpg) is one of the top inside players in the league. Senior guard Natasha Ross (6-0, G, 11.0, 7.7 rpg, 3.7 apg) presents matchup problems due to her athleticism and size. Ross also rates among the WVIAC's top volleyball players.

Jessica Parker (5-5, Jr.) returns at guard after handing out five assists per game last year. G Brooke Kosar (5-8, Jr.), C Shea MacCallum (6-2, Sr.), G Erin McClellan (5-9, Sr.), and F Carrie Pollock (5-10, Soph.) provide more depth and experience.

Incoming freshman forward Julie Guttowsky (5-10) is highly regarded after averaging 18.0 points and 8.1 rebounds per game last season.

GLENVILLE STATE:
The Lady Pioneers finished second in the league's regular season and tournament last year and hope to climb another notch in 2000-2001.

Four starters, who received All-WVIAC honors, are back for head coach Steve Harold. The backcourt duo of senior playmaker Sabrina Stout (5-2, 6.5 ppg, 7.1 apg) and junior Colleen McBrien (5-4, 12.3 ppg) is one of the top units in the East Region.

Junior center Tammy Spence (6-0, 12.8 ppg, 9.6 rpg) is a force in the middle and senior forward Kelly Osborn (5-9, 12.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg) adds a great deal of versatility to the GSC lineup.

Sophomore F/C Samantha Williams was instrumental for GSC down the stretch. The 5-11 Ohio native tossed in 8 points per game as a freshman. Chrissy Richards (5-8, Soph.) helps off the bench.

A big key for the Lady Pioneers' title hopes is to win on the road. GSC finished 10-0 last season at Lilly Gymnasium, but GSC was only 10-9 away from home.

OHIO VALLEY:
The Lady Scots earned respect with a few upsets and several near misses after a 9-18 ledger in 1999-2000. OVC hopes to continue their quest for respect as they build toward full championship eligibility in the 2002-2003 season.

Senior Amy Way (5-6, G) averaged 15.3 points per game and was one of the nation's leading free throw shooters last season at 90.5%. Way will be aided by returning starters Elizabeth Lewis (C, 6-2, Jr., 8.4 ppg, 9.6 rpg) and 5-8 guard Tracey Hendricks (Sr., 10.6 ppg).

Sophomore Amy Cecil (5-8) also should play a key role at guard for the Lady Scots in 2000-2001.

Head coach Ron Pavan is high on newcomers Brittany DeVore, Lori Allen, and Sarah Stowers.

SALEM INTERNATIONAL:
Despite the loss of talented Erica Cash, new head coach David Crosier looks to have a competitive squad at Salem International.

The Tigers look to have scoring punch at guard with the return of junior Chrissy Luchuck (5-6, 11.4 ppg). Also, Twania Bennett (G, 5-8, Jr.) returns in the backcourt after missing most of the past two seasons with injuries. Crosier thinks that Bennett could be one of the league's better players.

Three freshmen guards could also bring scoring output for SIU. Nicole Downey (5-8) helped lead Huntington HS to the West Virginia AAA prep title. Phoenix native Courtney Weekly (5-7) made an incredible 76% of her three-point attempts as a high school senior, and Monique Wright (5-9) of Brooklyn, NY is described as a scorer.

The question mark for Salem International will be its play in the paint. Only three players on the roster are taller than 5-10. Seniors Shacara Shackles (5-8, F), Cathy Vanco (6-1, C), and Charlis Jordan (6-0, F) will play the inside positions for the Tigers.

SHEPHERD:
The Rams finished third in last season's WVIAC battle and plan to be in the thick of things again in 2000-2001. Head coach Betsy Blose returns only one starter, but SC should still play their traditionally tough defense.

Stephanie Schwandt (Sr, F/C, 6-0, 3.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg) is the lone returning starter, but don't feel sorry for the league's easternmost representative. Makia Staves (Jr., 5-9, F, 7.5 ppg) and Kassandra Kilby (Sr., 5-8, G/F, 7.5 ppg) each played key roles in 1999-2000.

SC also welcomes 6-3 sophomore center Valerie Chaney, a transfer from Georgia Tech. The Rams also will bring in freshmen Ashley van Norden (5-4, G), Cassie Murray (5-11, G), and Gaynell Reese (5-8, G).

In spite of her team's youth, Blose is optimistic about the upcoming season: "Our goal is to improve daily as a team. We'll make early mistakes, but like always, our mission is to win the WVIAC championship."

WEST LIBERTY STATE:
The Hilltoppers are loaded, as the defending tournament and regular season champions return five letterwinners from last season's 23-7 NCAA Tournament club.

WLSC has both long and short covered entering the season. The short is senior point guard Adrianne Harlow. The 5-1 Indiana native led the nation with 8.0 assists per game last season. She also added 10.8 points per contest and was honored as the East Region Scholar-Athlete of the Year by the NCAA Division II Commissioners' Association.

The long is 6-11 junior college transfer Jaana Kotova. Kotova redshirted last season at West Liberty after averaging 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 blocks at Seminole Community College in 1998-99. The Russia native is the tallest Division II women's player in the country this season and is believed to be the tallest player ever at the D-II level.

Returning senior starters Katie Bohus (5-9, G, 10.9 ppg) and Rachael Dedo (5-9, F, 10.2 ppg) are dangerous shooters. Bohus made 99 three pointers last season and rates among the all-time leaders in Division II history in made three point field goals. Junior Shay Glauser (5-9, G) also can shoot the long ball and looks to move into the starting lineup.

West Liberty State also welcomes nine newcomers, including freshmen Ashlea Bland (6-0, F), Dana Levendoski (5-8, F), and Kelly West (5-3, G).

WEST VIRGINIA STATE:
Head coach Gill Heasley is looking to play up-tempo basketball this season. The Jackets lost All-Conference performers Tomika Patterson and Shannon Henderson, but feel like they have the depth to play full court basketball all night.

The leading returning scorer and rebounder is junior forward Jennifer Shantz (F, 5-9, 6.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg). Other key returnees from last season's 16-12 team are junior guard Charity Morrison (5-5, Jr., 4.9 ppg, 1.9 apg), and sophomore guard Cheryl Martin (5-5, 5.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg).

Also back from last year are three year letterwinner Lori Grindstaff (5-6, Sr., 5.1 ppg) and sophomore center Jaime Adkins. Adkins averaged 5 points and 3 rebounds in ten minutes per game of playing time in 1999-2000.

Eight newcomers add to the depth of Heasley's club. Included are Danette (5-10, F, Jr.) and Danise Hightower (5-8, G, Jr.), transfers from Chestnut Hill College. Keturah Armstrong (5-10, F, Soph.) transfers from Charleston. Nicole Reyes (5-8, G, Northeast Nebraska CC) and Kamilah Alexander (5-5, G, Genessee, NY CC) are junior college transfers; while Jessica Myers (6-1, F), Mary Ross (6-0, C), and Tara Stingel (5-10, G) each are high school recruits for WVSC.

WVU-TECH:
Rusty Melvin takes over for long-time coach Dr. Sandra Elmore in Montgomery and will face a rebuilding season after the loss of three starters. Tops among the returnees is athletic center Missy Cook (6-0, Jr., 10.3 ppg, 7.8 rpg). Cook earned second team All-WVIAC honors in 1999-2000 and moves extremely well for an inside player.

Junior Erin Dydland (5-10, G, 6.9 ppg) started 26 games a year ago. Sophomore Kelly Weikle (5-7, G) averaged 8.1 points per game and has range as a shooter from well behind the three point line.

Melvin believes that junior college transfers Shalisha Davis (5-6, G, Butler County CC) and Chauntia Gilchrist (5-10, F, Louisburg JC) will play key roles for the Golden Bears this season.

Tech will also have to battle a schedule that rates among the nation's toughest. The Golden Bears pay visits to four Division I schools, as well facing the tough WVIAC slate.

WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN:
The Bobcats return three starters from a 14-15 squad for second-year head coach Nikki Hall. WVWC weathered an inconsistent regular season to make a run to the WVIAC Tournament semifinals and the Bobcats look for bigger things this winter.

6-0 senior Shana Green (F/C, 15.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg) brings experience and leadership in addition to being of the league's top inside players. Senior guard Erin Furey (5-7) averaged 11.4 points per game last season and is a dangerous outside shooter.

A big plus for WVWC is the return of point guard Andrea Gianni. Gianni posted an impressive season at the point for the Bobcats in 1998-99 before missing last season due to injury.

Shelly Williams (5-9, Sr., G) and Kelly Howe (6-2, Jr., C) each played key roles last season and are back. A recruiting class described as "solid" by Hall could provide immediate help and brings hope for the future.

WHEELING JESUIT:
The Lady Cardinals bring back all ten letterwinners from last season's 19-9 club and have big things in mind for the 2000-2001 season. Amazingly, WJU will still put a very young team on the court with only two seniors and two juniors on the roster.

Balanced scoring was a trademark for WJU last season as eight players averaged at least 6.7 points per game. Top scorer last season was sophomore Amber Ellison (5-7, G) at 12.0 points per game. Also cracking double figures was sophomore post player Alisha McCune (5-11) at 10.2 points per contest. Each earned WVIAC All-Freshman honors last season.

The Lady Cardinal front line also returns Sarah Barbisch (6-1, C, Soph., 8.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg), Jo Carr (5-9, F, Soph., 8.7 ppg, 6.0 rpg), and 6-1 center Nicole Gratton (Soph., 6.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg). Barbisch made an incredible 66% of her shots from the field.

Returning in the backcourt are Erin Mason (5-4, Soph., 7.2 ppg), Kim Gillis (5-5, 4.8 ppg), Dawn Renzler (5-6, Jr., 3.9 ppg), and Cortney Allen (5-9, 3.0 ppg). Gillis and Allen are the squad's only two seniors.