The South Dakota State University women's basketball team has been picked to repeat as Summit League champions, according to poll conducted among league coaches, sports information directors and select media that was released Thursday.
The Jackrabbits, coached by Aaron Johnston, received 22 of 25 first-place votes. SDSU completed a sweep of Summit League titles last season, winning their third regular season title in five years and their fourth conseuctive postseason tournament title.
Kansas City was tabbed second in the preseason poll, receiving one first-place vote. IUPUI and Fort Wayne also each received one first-place vote.
Individually, Ashley Eide was the lone Jackrabbit to be named to the preseason all-Summit League First Team. A senior wing from Sioux Falls, Eide averaged 10.9 points and 4.8rebounds per game in earning second-team all-Summit League recognition during the 2011-12 campaign.
2012-13 SUMMIT LEAGUE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PRESEASON POLL
1. South Dakota State (22) 330
2. Kansas City (1) 260
3. Oakland 234
4. North Dakota State 221
5. IUPUI (1) 213
6. South Dakota 151
7. Western Illinois 138
8. Fort Wayne (1) 96
9. Omaha 43
PRESEASON ALL-SUMMIT LEAGUE FIRST TEAM
Katie Birkel, G, North Dakota State
Ashley Eide, G/F, South Dakota State
Kerah Nelson, F, IUPUI
Kim Nezianya, F, Kansas City
Eilise O'Connor, G, Kansas City
Bethany Watterworth, F/C, Oakland (preseason player of the year)
PRESEASON ALL-SUMMIT LEAGUE SECOND TEAM
Janae Burich, C, North Dakota State
Katie Comello, G, IUPUI
Paige Frauendorfer, G, Omaha
Saule Kontautaite, G, Western Illinois
Zakiya Minifee, G, Oakland
