Basketball - Oct. 14
Fayetteville, N.C. - Christopher Newport University, under the direction of 12th-year Head Coach Carolyn Hunter was picked in the preseason coaches' poll to win the USA South Athletic Conference 2009-10 women's basketball title. Last season, the Captains captured the USA South Tournament Championship, their second title in three years. CNU received seven of ten first-place votes (79 points) as head coaches do not vote for their own teams in the balloting.

Ferrum College, the 2006-07 USA South Regular Season Champions, finished second in the poll with 70 points and two first-place votes. Shenandoah University finished third in the poll with 62 points and grabbed the final first-place vote. Methodist University placed fourth with 56 points while Averett University and defending regular season champion Greensboro College tied in the fifth spot with 48 points. Meredith and Peace were picked in a tie to finish in seventh place. N.C. Wesleyan and Mary Baldwin complete the poll.

Meredith's 2009-10 campaign tips-off on Friday, November 20 as the Avenging Angels travel to Eastern Mennonite to take on the tournament hosts.

2009 USA South Women's Basketball Coaches Poll
Rank Institution (1st place Votes) Pts.
1. Christopher Newport (7) 79
2. Ferrum (2) 70
3. Shenandoah (1) 62
4. Methodist 56
t-5. Averett 48
t-5. Greensboro 48
t-7. Meredith 27
t-7. Peace 27
9. N.C. Wesleyan 18
10. Mary Baldwin 15