Oct. 11, 2006

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Southeast Missouri State women's basketball was picked to finished fifth in the Ohio Valley Conference preseason poll as it was released earlier today at the conference's annual Media Day at LP Field in Nashville, Tenn. The Redhawks received 125 points in the poll that was comprised of the conference's 11 head coaches and sports information directors.

Samford was selected as the preseason favorite to win as it collected 12 first-place votes and 189 points, while Morehead State garnered second place with158 points and three first-place votes. Murray State (three first-place votes) edged Tennessee Tech (four first-place votes) for third place by a 154-152 margin.

Selected sixth was Eastern Illinois followed by Eastern Kentucky (seventh), Austin Peay (eighth), UT Martin (ninth), Jacksonville State (10th) and Tennessee State (11th). No Redhawk players earned preseason All-OVC honors and Murray State senior Joi Scott was tabbed OVC Preseason Player of the Year.

Southeast and head coach B.J. Smith welcomes back three letterwinners from last season's 22-9 squad that captured its first OVC title and NCAA Tournament berth, including senior center Lachelle Lyles (Chicago, Ill./Shelton State CC) and sophomore guard Tarina Nixon (Gilbert, Ariz./Highlands).

The Redhawks kick off preseason practice this Friday (Oct. 13) in preparation for their exhibition opener on Nov. 3 against Lambuth at the Show Me Center with a start time of 7 p.m. Southeast opens the 2006-07 season with a Nov. 11 road contest in Oklahoma against NCAA tournament participant Tulsa.

2006-07 Ohio Valley Conference Women's Basketball Predicted Order of Finish

(Selected by the conference's head coaches and sports information directors)

1.	Samford (12 first-place votes) - 189
2.	Morehead State (three first-place votes) - 158
3.	Murray State (three first-place votes) - 154
4.	Tennessee Tech (four first-place votes) - 152
5.	Southeast Missouri State - 125
6.	Eastern Illinois - 118
7.	Eastern Kentucky - 87
8.	Austin Peay - 79
9.	UT Martin - 68
10.	Jacksonville State - 61
11.	Tennessee State - 21