WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Norfolk State women's basketball team was predicted to finish 11th in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference preseason poll of head coaches and sports information directors, as announced by the conference at its tip-off luncheon on Wednesday.

NSU totaled 68 points in the poll and did not have any players named to the preseason all-conference teams.

North Carolina A&T earned 18 of the possible 22 first place votes for a total of 468 points and was picked to take home the 2008-09 crown. Delaware State (378 points) and Morgan State (364) were predicted to finish second ant third, respectively. Coppin State (316) earned two first place votes and Hampton (291) received one first place vote as they took the fourth and fifth spots.

Amber Bland of North Carolina A&T was picked as the Preseason Player of the Year.

Second-year head coach Tara A. Owens and the Spartans, who went 5-23 overall and 1-15 in the MEAC, open the 2008-09 season at Miami on Nov. 14.

MEAC Preseason Women's Basketball Poll
(First-place votes in parentheses, followed by total points)
School Points
1. North Carolina A&T (18) 468
2. Delaware State  378
3. Morgan State 364
4. Coppin State (2) 316
5. Hampton (1) 291
6. Maryland Eastern Shore (1) 283
7. South Carolina State 192
8. Florida A&M 196
9. Howard 92
10. Bethune-Cookman 76
11. Norfolk State 68