The Pittsburg State University women’s basketball team was picked fourth in the 2020-21 Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) preseason coaches poll that was released on Tuesday as part of the MIAA’s Virtual Media Day.
“We are getting geared up like everybody else,” Pittsburg State coach Amanda Davied said. “We have quite a few returners who are really excited about this upcoming season. We have some newcomers and we have a good balance between our two groups. We’re like everybody else, we’re going through the COVID situation and we’re trying to remain optimistic.”
Pittsburg State received 140 points in the poll. Emporia State University received 153 points to earn the top spot. Nebraska-Kearney was picked second with 146 points, while Central Missouri had 143 points to land third.
The Gorillas return three starters and seven letterwinners from a 2019-20 squad that went 17-11 overall record while going 13-6 in the MIAA.
Junior guard Tristan Gegg led the MIAA in scoring a year ago (17.9 ppg), earning third-team All-MIAA honors. Junior guard Kaylee DaMitz, a first-team All-MIAA pick, averaged 13.8 points and an MIAA leading 5.5 assists per game. Senior guard Maya Williams of Carthage contributed 11.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per game a year ago.
“The veterans have done an outstanding job of being leaders,” Davied said. “Our newcomers have great followership. It’s been a great balance. I’m really excited about their competitive nature. We’re just really excited about the upcoming season.”
Davied returns for her third season leading her alma mater. Davied has a 38-22 record directing the Pitt State program.
2020-21 MIAA Coaches Poll
- Emporia State (4) 153
- Nebraska-Kearney (6) 146
- Central Missouri (3) 143
- Pittsburg State 140
- Fort Hays State (1) 125
- Missouri Western 109
- Central Oklahoma 104
- Washburn 79
- Northwest Missouri 76
- Missouri Southern 65
- Newman 55
- Northeastern State 37
- Rogers State 28
- Lincoln 14
