KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Washburn women's basketball team was voted third in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll and fourth in the Preseason Media Poll, as announced by the conference office Wednesday morning.

The Ichabods tallied 134 points in the MIAA Coaches Poll while receiving 217 total points in the media poll.

Reigning MIAA champion Fort Hays State was voted the favorite in the MIAA Coaches Poll, earning 10 first-place votes and 166 points overall. Central Missouri was picked close behind with 160 points and four first-place votes. Washburn was third with 134 points, Pittsburg State had 131 points in fourth, and Emporia State rounded out the top-five with 130 points.

In the media poll, Fort Hays State and Central Missouri hold down the top-two spots yet again with the Tigers receiving 14 first-place votes and 271 points while the Jennies garnered six first-place votes and 263 points. Pittsburg State was tabbed third with 227 points, followed by Washburn with 217 points and Emporia State with 213.

Last season, Washburn was picked fourth in the conference Preseason Coaches Poll and third in the media preseason rankings. The Ichabods finished the 2018-19 campaign with a record of 20-10 (14-5 MIAA) and reached the MIAA tournament semifinals. This year's team returns three starters and 10 total letterwinners. 

Washburn will kickoff the new season in an exhibition game at Kansas State on Oct. 29 before officially starting at the Regional Classic in Pittsburg, Kan., against Southwestern Oklahoma (Nov. 8) and Oklahoma Baptist (Nov. 9).
 

Women's Coaches Poll

1. Fort Hays State (10) - 166 points

2. Central Missouri (4) - 160 points

3. Washburn - 134 points

4. Pittsburg State - 131 points

5. Emporia State - 130 points

6. Nebraska Kearney - 100 points

7. Central Oklahoma - 97 points

8. Newman - 83 points

9. Missouri Southern - 67 points

10. Northwest Missouri - 64 points

11. Missouri Western - 62 points

12. Northeastern State - 37 points

13. Rogers State - 25 points

14. Lincoln - 17 points

Women's Media Poll

1. Fort Hays State (14) - 271 points

2. Central Missouri (6) - 263 points

3. Pittsburg State - 227 points

4. Washburn - 217 points

5. Emporia State - 213 points

6. Nebraska Kearney - 161 points

7. Central Oklahoma - 160 points

8. Missouri Western - 131 points

9. Newman - 120 points

10. Missouri Southern - 109 points

11. Northwest Missouri - 84 points

12. Rogers State - 73 points

13. Northeastern State - 47 points

14. Lincoln - 23 points