SHERMAN, Texas - After cutting down the nets for the first Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Championship in program history in 2019-20, the Austin College women's basketball team has been picked to finish first in the preseason voting by SCAC head coaches.

Led by head coach Michelle Filander, who has won more games than any other coach in program history, the 'Roos bring back four of five starters and multiple All-Conference performers from a squad that went 23-5 and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in more than two decades. The 'Roos will need to replace four-year starter Ann Savage, but Kacie West, Addison Walling, Reagan Chiaverini, and Ally Longaker all return and have each earned All-SCAC recognition during their careers. Last season, West was a first team All-Conference pick after leading the 'Roos with 13.3 points-per-game, while Chiaverini chipped in 10.9 points and 6.5 rebounds and Longaker scored 9.7 points and 7.0 boards-per-contest.

The 'Roos edged out Trinity for the top spot in the poll, receiving 61 points to 60 for the Tigers, and got five first place votes compared to four for Trinity. Colorado College, who the 'Roos will not play during the regular season this year, comes in at third in the voting, followed by Schreiner at number four. Austin College opens the season on Friday and Saturday with home games against the University of Dallas, which checks in at number nine in the preseason vote.

Austin College and Dallas are set to tip off at 5:00 p.m. on Friday in Hughey Gym.