ACC Women's Basketball Preseason Poll Released

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GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Virginia women’s basketball team was picked to finish 10th in the 2010-11 Atlantic Coast Conference preseason poll. The predictions, announced Tuesday, were made by a vote of the Blue Ribbon Panel, consisting of national and local media, as well as school representatives.

Duke was selected as the preseason favorite, followed by North Carolina and Florida State. Blue Devil Jasmine Thomas was named the league’s preseason player of the year.

Virginia, under the direction of Debbie Ryan, now in her 34th season, returns four starters from the 2009-10 squad that went 21-10 (9-5 ACC), finished third in the conference standings and made its third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. Three newcomers join 10 returning letterwinners on the Cavalier roster.

UVa opens the season Nov. 12 at Hofstra.

2010-11 Predicted Order of Finish
(First Place Votes)
1. Duke (24)
2. North Carolina (6)
3. Florida State (2)
4. Maryland
5. Georgia Tech
6. NC State (1)
7. Boston College
8. Miami
9. Wake Forest
10. Virginia
11. Virginia Tech
12. Clemson

Preseason Player of the Year
Jasmine Thomas, Sr., G, Duke

2010-11 Preseason All-ACC Team
Jessica Breland, Sr., F, North Carolina
Shenise Johnson, Jr., G, Miami
Carolyn Swords, Sr., C, Boston College
Jasmine Thomas, Sr., G, Duke
Courtney Ward, Sr., G, Florida State

2010-11 Newcomer Watch List
Kristen Doherty, G/F, Fr., Boston College
Chelsea Gray, G, Fr., Duke
Natasha Howard, F, Fr., Florida State
Richa Jackson, F, Fr., Duke
Laurin Mincy, G, Fr., Maryland
Alyssa Thomas, F, Fr., Maryland