WATERVILLE, Maine – The North Atlantic Conference (NAC) has announced its 2017-18 Women's Basketball Preseason Poll and Johnson State College has been ranked to finish ninth in a vote conducted by the league's coaches.
Johnson (2016-17: 12-14, 8-10 NAC) head coach Greg Eckman enters his seventh season leading the Badgers. Following the graduation of six seniors, the new-look Badgers will look to returning juniors Kaitlyn Brouard (Milton, Vt.) and Mary Richardson (Vernon, Vt.), and sophomore Lindsey LaPerle (Bethel, Vt.) to step up to the challenge of returning to the NAC Tournament. Incoming freshmen Kayla Coombs (West Rutland, Vt.), Devin Libby (Burlington, Vt.), Britani Buck (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) and Laura Vaillancourt (Bethel, Vt.) will provide a solid post presence and depth in the frontcourt in addition to freshmen guards Jocelyn Pellerin (Keene, N.H.) and Ellery Kiefer (Wayland, Mass.).
Defending NAC Champion Husson was picked first in the poll, earning six of ten first place votes for 92 points. Castleton was selected second with 86 points and three first place votes, followed by Colby-Sawyer who received 83 points and one first place vote.
To read the full NAC Preseason Poll release, with previews for each team, please click HERE.
Johnson will open the season at home on Wednesday, November 15th against the College of St. Joseph.