STAT LEADERS BACK
The following are the returning statistical leaders in the WAC from the 2013-14 season.
Only one of the top 10 scorers is back as Bakersfield’s Tyonna Outland was second in the WAC with 20.7 ppg. Teammate Batabe Zempare is the lone top rebounder returner after bringing down 10.6 rpg as a sophomore.
Five of the top 10 shooters in the WAC return this season, led by last season’s leader Wilma Afunugo from Seattle U (.644). Also returning are Utah Valley’s Sam Loggins (4th, .555), Seattle U’s Taelor Ross (5th, .527), Bakersfield’s Zempare (6th, .500) and Utah Valley’s Rhaiah Spooner-Knight (9th, .471).
Four of the top 10 assist leaders return, led by Utah Valley’s Georgia Agnew (2nd, 4.6). Also returning are Texas-Pan American’s KaeLynn Boyd (7th, 3.0), Kansas City’s Calli White (8th, 2.9) and New Mexico State’s Sasha Weber (10th, 2.8).
Outland is the lone steals leader returning after ranking sixth with 1.6 spg last season while five of the top 10 shot blockers in the conference return, led by Texas-Pan American’s Brittany Bush (3rd, 1.4). Also returning are Utah Valley’s Sam Loggins (4th, 1.3), Chicago State’s Layne Murphy (5th, 1.2), Seattle U’s Ross (7th, 0.8), and New Mexico State’s Brianna Freeman (9th, 0.6).
RETURNING ALL-CONFERENCE PLAYERS
Only one of the first team All-WAC players from last season return for the 2014-15 season in Bakersfield’s Tyonna Outland. Other WAC honorees returning are Texas-Pan American’s Shawnte’ Goff, the reigning Freshman of the Year, who was also on the All-Newcomer Team. Teammate Brittany Bush returns after earned a spot on the All-Defensive Team, while Utah Valley’s Rhaiah Spooner-Knight returns after being named to the All-Newcomer Team.
PRESEASON COACHES’ POLL
Bakersfield is the preseason favorite to win the Western Athletic Conference women’s basketball title, while Roadrunners’ senior Tyonna Outland was selected as the WAC Preseason Player of the year in a vote of the league’s eight head coaches, who could not vote for their own team or players.
The Roadruners received 48 points and six first-place votes to earn the top spot in the preseason poll. Texas-Pan American was predicted second with 35 points, including one first-place vote.
Outland, the lone First Team All-WAC returner, leads the list of Preseason All-WAC Honorees. Joining her on the first team are teammate Batabe Zempare, New Mexico State’s Sasha Weber, Texas-Pan American’s Shawnte’ Goff, and Utah Valley’s Rhaiah Spooner-Knight.
PRESEASON MEDIA POLL
The Western Athletic Conference women’s basketball media have selected Bakersfield as the preseason favorite to win the conference crown during the 2014-15 season, and Roadrunner senior guard Tyonna Outland has been selected as the WAC Preseason Player of the Year.
The Roadrunners earned 10 first-place votes, earning 94 points. Seattle U was picked second with 67 points and one first-place vote. Texas-Pan American and New Mexico State tied for third with 60 points, with the Broncs also earning a first-place vote.
Outland, the lone First Team All-WAC returner, leads the list of Preseason All-WAC Honorees. Joining her on the first team are teammate Batabe Zempare, New Mexico State’s Sasha Weber, Texas-Pan American’s Shawnte’ Goff, and Utah Valley’s Rhaiah Spooner-Knight.
LETTERWINNER/STARTER CAPSULE
Three of the eight WAC schools - Bakersfield, Chicago State and Texas-Pan American - return four of five starters this season. Kansas City, New Mexico State and Utah Valley all return three starters. Seattle U returns two starters while Grand Canyon will see an all new starting lineup, replacing all five starters this year.
KEY NON-CONFERENCE MATCHUPS
This season, WAC teams have 26 games scheduled against teams that advanced to the NCAA Tournament or the Women’s National Invitational Tournament (WNIT) last season. The complete list is below.
Games vs. NCAA Teams
Nov. 15 - Texas-Pan American at DePaul (Maggie Dixon Classic)
Nov. 16 - Texas-Pan American vs. Texas A&M (Maggie Dixon Classic)
Nov. 19 - Bakersfield at Arizona State
Nov. 26 - Texas-Pan American at Texas
Nov. 29 - Idaho at Seattle U
Nov. 30 - Fresno State at Bakersfield
Dec. 3 - Texas-Pan American at Baylor
Dec. 7 - DePaul at Chicago State
Dec. 13 - Bakersfield at Nebraska
Dec. 18 - Louisville at Grand Canyon
Games vs. WNIT Teams
Nov. 14 - Northwestern at Chicago State
Nov. 14 - New Mexico State at UTEP
Nov. 21 - Seattle U at Washington State
Nov. 29 - Grand Canyon at Navy (Navy Classic)
Dec. 2 - Southern Utah at Utah Valley
Dec. 4 - Washington at Seattle U
Dec. 16 - Cal Poly at New Mexico State
Dec. 17 - Montana at Seattle U
Dec. 19 - Utah Valley at Montana (Lady Griz Classic)
Dec. 19 - New Mexico State vs. Pacific (Beach Classic)
Dec. 21 - Texas-Pan American at VCU
Dec. 23 - Hawai’i at Bakersfield
Dec. 29 - New Mexico State at Southern Utah
Dec. 29 - Seattle U at Oregon
Jan. 3 - Bakersfield at Cal Poly
Jan. 6 - Utah Valley at Southern Utah