Women's Basketball Voted Sixth in MASCAC Preseason Poll

FITCHBURG, MA: The MASCAC released today the coach's votes for the 2024-25 Women's Basketball Preseason Poll. The Falcons were voted to place sixth this coming season, with Bridgewater State getting the first place nod. 

 

The Bears took home four first place votes for the top spot. They were 10-2 during the MASCAC slate. Two-time MASCAC Player of the Year Kylie Grassi finished out the season in the top 10 of the MASCAC in several categories, including total points (535), points per game (20.6), free throw percentage (75.4), steals (59), assists (68) and blocks (18). 14 times this season, she eclipsed the 20-point mark. 

Framingham State and Westfield State are tied in second, with both receiving a first place vote. The Rams were 11-1 last season to win the MASCAC Regular Season title and went on to win the tournament crown. Returning is Katherine Haselton. Last season, she averaged 9.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game while shooting 72 percent from the free throw line with 55 assists and 39 steals.

For the Owls, they were 9-3 in league action in 2023-24 and bring back reigning MASCAC Defensive Player of the Year Octaviana Williams. She was a key part of the Owls defense as she was second in the conference in steals with 83 (3.1 per game) while registering 101 defensive rebounds, averaging 6.7 total rebounds per game.

Up next in fourth is Salem State. The Vikings had five wins in league play last season. Abuk Teng returns after she led the team with 17 points per game while also collecting 211 rebounds (7.8 per game), 43 assists, 41 steals, and 14 blocks.

Closing out the preseason poll are Worcester State and Fitchburg State in fifth and sixth, respectively. For the Lancers, reigning MASCAC Rookie of the Year Lena Waldron is back after she averaged 10.1 points and six rebounds per game. She also gathered 30 steals, 38 assists, and seven blocks in her first season with the Lancers. For the Falcons, Stephanie Hart was third in the MASCAC with 8.8 rebounds per game and averaged 8.8 points a contest while gathering 23 assists and 20 steals during the 2023-24 season.

The MASCAC women's basketball teams return to the hardwood over the next few weeks with their opening non-conference contests. Then, after the new year, the MASCAC schedule will begin. Follow all the games at mascac.com

 

(First Place Votes In Parentheses)

 

1. Bridgewater State (4) - 24 points

2. Framingham State (1) - 19 points

    Westfield State (1) - 19 points

4. Salem State - 13 points

5. Worcester State - 10 points

6. Fitchburg State - 5 points

 

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