Oct. 23, 2012
With 10 players returning, including all five starters and last year’s league scoring leader, the Vanderbilt women’s basketball team has been picked to finish third in the Southeastern Conference by the league’s media.
Kentucky was picked to win the league, followed by Georgia, Vanderbilt, Tennessee and Texas A&M. The Wildcats received 20 of 26 first-place votes, while two voters each selected the Commodores and Lady Vols to win the league and the Lady Bulldogs and Aggies each received one first-place vote.
In addition, Vanderbilt’s Christina Foggie was named Preseason First Team All-SEC. Foggie was First Team All-SEC and a WBCA All-Region selection last season after leading the league at 17.7 points per game. The junior also led the league in three-point percentage (42.9%) and was second in free throw percentage (83.2%).
Kentucky’s A’dia Mathies was picked as Preseason Player of the Year. Foggie and Mathies were joined on the All-SEC First Team by Georiga’s Anne Marie Armstrong, Florida’s Jennifer George and Texas A&M’s Kelsey Bone.
The Commodores return 97.6% of their scoring from last year’s team which finished 23-10 and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. It marked the 10th time in 10 seasons Head Coach Melanie Balcomb has led Vanderbilt to at least 20 wins and an NCAA bid.
It adds to national recognition Vanderbilt has received in the preseason. The Commodores have been ranked 10th by Slam Magazine, 12th by Athlon and 20th by Lindy’s. They now await the preseason releases of the Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls on October 27 and 30, respectively.
Foggie has also received national attention, earning a spot on the WBCA’s Wade Trophy Watch List, as well as Preseason All-America honors from Lindy’s.
The Commodores open the 2012-13 season on Saturday, November 10, versus McNeese State at Memorial Gym. Fans can get a preview of the team during an exhibition contest on Saturday, November 3, against Alabama-Huntsville. That tipoff is set for 2:00 p.m.
To purchase tickets, call 615-322-GOLD or click here.
2012-13 SEC Preseason Media Poll
(First place votes in parentheses.)
| 1. Kentucky (20) | 376 |
| 2. Georgia (1) | 352 |
| 3. Vanderbilt (2) | 336 |
| 4. Tennessee (2) | 316 |
| 5. Texas A&M (1) | 284 |
| 6. LSU | 251 |
| 7. South Carolina | 194 |
| 8. Arkansas | 168 |
| 9. Florida | 144 |
| 10. Auburn | 124 |
| 11. Mississippi State | 116 |
| 12. Ole Miss | 47 |
| 13. Missouri | 39 |
| 14. Alabama | 36 |
First Team
Jennifer George (Florida)
Anne Marie Armstrong (Georgia)
A’dia Mathies (Kentucky)
Kelsey Bone (Texas A&M)
Christina Foggie (Vanderbilt)
Second Team
Sarah Watkins (Arkansas)
Jasmine Hassell (Georgia)
Samarie Walker (Kentucky)
Ieasia Walker (South Carolina)
Meighan Simmons (Tennessee)
