Lady Rockets are Preseason Favorites

2nd year head coach and reigning MAC Coach of the Year Tricia Cullop has the Rockets poised for a MAC Title run this year. For the first time since the 2001-02 season, the Lady Rockets have been picked to win the MAC West Division in the MAC's preseason poll. Read on for more information.

The University of Toledo Lady Rockets are the favorites to win the MAC's West Division. Yesterday the MAC Office released the women's basketball preseason poll for 2009-10, with Toledo picked to win the West Division and arch-rival Bowling Green picked to win the East Division.

"This preseason pick is a compliment to our players and how hard they work, but it really doesn't say anything about this year, just as last season's preseason pick didn't define us, this one won't define us," said Lady Rockets Head Coach Tricia Cullop. "I am going to remind our players tomorrow (Thursday) that everyday we define oursevles by what we do."

This is the first time since the 2001-02 season that the Lady Rockets have been picked in the preseason to win the MAC West Division. Toledo earned 18 first place votes, while Ball State came in second with 14 first place votes. Northern Illinois, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, and Western Michigan round out the West Division.

Bowling Green is favored in the MAC East Division once again. They received 22 first place votes. Second is Kent State with 12 first place votes. Rounding out the East Division is Miami, Akron, Ohio, and Buffalo.

Along with being the favorites to win the MAC's West Division, Toledo landed two players on the All-MAC Preseason West Division Team. Senior Tanika Mays and sophomore Naama Shafir made the five player list.

The Lady Rockets have one exhibition game this year, against Ashland at savage Arena on Thursday, November 5th at 7:00pm. Then on Friday, November 13th the Lady Rockets open the regular season right at Savage Arena against the Big Ten's Northwestern. Tip off is scheduled for 7:00pm.