Ball State University Athletics
Women's Basketball Tabbed To Finish First In The MAC West
October 30, 2008 | Women's Basketball
CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Ball State women's basketball team has been tabbed the 2008-09 preseason favorite to win the Mid-American Conference West Division the league office announced Thursday at MAC Media Day at Quicken Loans Arena.
“The Preseason All-MAC honor is a tremendous compliment to Ball State University's women's basketball program," said head coach Kelly Packard. "I believe the honor is a reflection of the respect throughout the MAC established by the many efforts of previous coaching staffs as well as both former and current players.”
The Cardinals were picked to win the MAC West for the third straight season with 129 votes. Northern Illinois was chosen to finish behind Ball State with 89. Central Michigan (76) and Western Michigan (75) were picked to finish third and fourth, respectively, while Eastern Michigan (51) and Toledo (47) round out the division.
In the East Division Bowling Green was picked to finish first and was chosen to win the MAC Tournament Championship.
Ball State heads into the 2008-09 season after earning the fourth MAC West Division title in program history in 2007-08, accompanied by a 15-15 overall record and a 11-5 mark in conference play. They return seven letterwinners from last year's squad including First Team All-MAC recipient senior guard Porchia Green and sophomore forward Emily Maggert who garnered last year's MAC Sixth Player of the Year award.
The Cardinals begin a new era under the direction of head coach Kelly Packard this season.
In addition for just the second time in program history, the Ball State women's basketball team has been invited to play in the 2008 Preseason Women's National Invitation Tournament. The Cardinals will open their season at Indiana, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. in preseason WNIT play.
West Division
Ball State (129)
Northern Illinois (89)
Central Michigan (76)
Western Michigan (75)
Eastern Michigan (51)
Toledo (47)
East Division
Bowling Green (132)
Miami (109)
Ohio (89)
Kent State (79)
Buffalo (42)
Akron (26)
