DENVER, COLO. - The newest member of the Western Athletic Conference, Louisiana Tech, has been selected by the leagues coaches to win the 2001-02 womens basketball title.
The Lady Techsters earned nine of the 10 first place votes and tallied a total of 81 points to top the poll. (Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams) Hawai`i, featuring last seasons Freshman of the Year April Atuaia, was picked to finish second, garnering one first place vote and 69 points.
Nevada (56 points) and Rice (53) finished a close fourth and fifth, respectively. In sixth place was Fresno State with 39 points followed by Tulsa (36) and Boise State (19). San Jose State and UTEP finished tied for ninth with 17 points.
Louisiana Tech comes to the WAC having participated in all 20 NCAA Tournaments. With three national championships and 13 Final Fours, the Lady Techsters look to continue the strong tradition in the WAC. Last season, La. Tech finished the season 31-5 and advanced to the NCAA Regional Finals. The Lady Techsters are led by senior center Ayana Walker an Associated Press honorable mention All-American.
Hawai`i finished the 2000-01 season with a 26-8 record advancing to the Womens National Invitational Tournament semifinals. Last season, the Rainbow Wahine finished second in the regular season.
Several All-WAC performers will return this season. The first team All-WAC players that will return include Nevadas Kate Smith and Fresno States Lindsay Logan. Second team honorees Leela Farr of Tulsa and Omelogo Udeze of Fresno State also return.
2001 WAC Basketball Coaches Preseason Poll
Team Points
1. Louisiana Tech (9) 81
2. Hawai`i (1) 69
3. SMU 63
4. Nevada 56
5. Rice 53
6. Fresno State 39
7. Tulsa 36
8. Boise State 19
T9. San Jose State 17
T9. UTEP 17