October 22, 2008

RAMS PICKED SECOND IN PRESEASON POLL; HOLLINGSWORTH NAMED TO FIRST TEAM
Senior standout looking to rebound off Achilles injury

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Coming off a record-setting 2007-2008 season, the Virginia Commonwealth University women’s basketball team is looking to keep that record-setting trend going entering the upcoming 2008-2009 campaign.

The progress of the Rams’ program has been noticed all across the league as the Black and Gold were picked second in the CAA Preseason Poll, which was released this afternoon at CAA Basketball Media Day.

Defending CAA Champion, Old Dominion, was selected first as the Monarchs are seeking their 18th straight conference title. James Madison followed VCU in third, while Drexel finished fourth and Towson fifth. UNC Wilmington, Delaware, Georgia State, Northeastern, William & Mary, Hofstra and George Mason rounded out the 12-team poll, respectively.

Under the guidance of Beth Cunningham, VCU entered the postseason for the first time in 13 years after posting a 26-8 record and earning a bid to the WNIT tournament.

Along with the high praise for the team, senior center Quanitra Hollingsworth (Chesapeake, Va.) earned accolades on her own with her selection to the Preseason All-CAA First Team.

Even after suffering an Achilles injury that kept her out for the final 11 games of the Rams’ season, Hollingsworth was named to the All-CAA Second Team at the end of last year after averaging 13.3 points per game and 9.5 rebounds per contest. She also became the career leader for double-doubles with 32 in her outstanding three-year career.

Hollingsworth and the Rams will tip the season off in the Preseason WNIT against in-state rival Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. on Friday, November 14th in a 7 p.m. contest.

2008-09 CAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH

1. Old Dominion
2. VCU
3. James Madison
4. Drexel
5. Towson
6. UNC Wilmington
7. Delaware
8. Georgia State
9. Northeastern
10. William & Mary
11. Hofstra
12. George Mason

2008-09 CAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PRE-SEASON ALL-CONFERENCE TEAMS

CAA Pre-Season Player of the Year: Gabriela Marginean, Drexel

Honorable Mention: Tiffany Benson (Jr., F, William & Mary), Danyielle McKeller (Jr., F, Georgia State), Ashlee Feldman (Sr., G, Northeastern)