ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The University of Evansville women's basketball team was selected fourth in the 2014-2015 Missouri Valley Conference Preseason Poll on Tuesday. Sophomore guard Sara Dickey, the MVC Co-Freshman of the Year in 2013-2014, was also named to the Preseason All-Conference Team.
 
The fourth place preseason ranking is the highest for Evansville since 2008-2009 when the Aces were also selected fourth.
 
Last season, Evansville won 15 games and made the WBI, their first postseason tournament since 08-09.
 
UE brings back head coach Oties Epps who has increased the team's win total in each of his first three seasons.
 
Evansville also has three returning seniors including guard Khristian Hart, forward Mallory Ladd, and guard Kat Taylor. Junior guard Laura Friday, sophomore forward Sasha Robinson and Dickey are also back to help UE reach another postseason tournament.
 
Evansville has four new freshman with guard Kenyia Johnson, forward Peyton Langston, forward Asia Pettite and guard Taloni Reese joining the roster as well as two transfers, junior forward Ashley Hawkins (Vincennes Univ.) and sophomore guard Aaliyah Gaines (Eastern Illinois).
 
The Aces will have an exhibition game against USI on Saturday, November 8 at the Ford Center beginning at 12:00 p.m. There will also be a pregame tailgate at UE to celebrate the start of basketball season. Fans can enjoy food, drinks and games on the grass mound next to the Rigway building starting at 10:00 a.m.
 
The regular season opener will be on Sunday, November 16 when the Aces host Austin Peay at 1:00 p.m.
 
Fans can purchase tickets over the phone at 812-488-ACES (2237) in person at either the Carson Center or Ford Center ticket office, or online via Ticketmaster.com.

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2014-15 MVC Women's Basketball Preseason Poll
Rank, School (First Place Votes), Total
1.      Wichita State (36)       395
2.      UNI (2)                        338
3.      Drake (2)                     315
4.      Evansville                    252
5.      Indiana State               234
6.      Missouri State             190
7.      Loyola                          166
8.      Illinois State                 125
9.      Southern Illinois           116
10.    Bradley                          60
 
2014-15 MVC Women's Basketball Preseason All-Conference Team
Kyndal Clark, Sr., G, Drake
Sara Dickey, So., G, Evansville
*Alex Harden, Sr., G/F, Wichita State
Jen Keitel, Jr., F, UNI
Dyana Pierre, Jr., F/C, Southern Illinois
Lizzy Wendell, So., F, Drake
*Preseason Player of the Year