Guilford Tabbed Seventh in Preseason ODAC Women’s Hoops Poll

Greensboro, N.C. — Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) women’s basketball coaches picked Guilford College seventh in the league’s annual preseason poll Thursday. League officials released the 2008-09 poll at the annual media day at the Salem (Va.) Civic Center. The Quakers received 57 points, but no first-place nominations. Top ranked Randolph-Macon College received 119 points and 10 first-place votes, thanks to a roster that boasts three returning starters, including reigning ODAC Player of the Year Molly Ariail.

The Quakers return to action this season with many familiar faces in hopes of improving from last year’s ninth-place league finish. Sixth-year head coach Stephanie Flamini returns all five starters and 12 letter winners from last year’s 11-14 squad, including senior Tracey Croner (Rockwell, N.C./East Rowan). The 5-10 forward earned her second Second Team All-ODAC honor after leading the Quakers in scoring last season with 12.4 points per game. Croner was also second in rebounds with 5.2 rebounds per game, as well as assists with a total of 42. Flamini also returns 5-8 junior Ann Seufer (Williamstown, W. Va./Williamstown), who comes off a record-breaking season in which she set Guilford records for three-pointers (62) and three-point attempts (176). She also placed second on the team in scoring, netting 10.2 points per game last season.

Along with regular ODAC action, the Quaker’s schedule this year features a wide array of nonconference competition. The schedule features a Nov. 8 exhibition game with neighboring UNC Greensboro and the annual grudge match with cross-town rival Greensboro College. The Quakers will also host the second Guilford College Classic Nov. 21-22 and make their first trip to Florida to compete against Warner Southern College and Webber International University in December.

2008-09 ODAC Women’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll (first-place votes in parentheses)
1. Randolph-Macon 119 (10)
2. Lynchburg 105
3. Roanoke 94
4. Virginia Wesleyan 83
5. Bridgewater 75
6. Emory and Henry 63 (1)
7. Guilford 57
8. Eastern Mennonite 50
9. Washington and Lee 42
10. Randolph 27
11. Hollins 11