LOCK HAVEN, Pa.- The Mercyhurst women's basketball team has been voted to finish sixth in the 2011-12 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division, according to the preseason coaches' poll.
 
Defending West and tournament champion Edinboro is expected to repeat as division winner. The Fighting Scots received all eight first-place votes. California (Pa.) is next, with Indiana (Pa.) chosen third. Gannon and Lock Haven are fourth and fifth, respectively. Hurst follows next, with Slippery Rock and Clarion closing out the poll.
 
Three Scots appear on the all-West team, with Kiara Brown, Renee Brown, and Darche Jackson each returning in 2011-12. Amy Johns (California), Sarah Pastorek (Indiana), and Danielle Smith (Slippery Rock) are also on the preseason team.
 
Coach Deanna Richard's group went 15-15 in 2010-11, qualifying for the PSAC Tournament. The team lost its two leading scorers, including Amy Achesinski, to graduation, leaving several holes to be filled. Point guard Dana Banda and forward Kaylee Foster are back for their junior seasons. Banda led the conference in minutes last season.
 
The 2011-12 season marks the first campaign with full crossovers for the PSAC. Hurst will have just four games against non-PSAC foes. It will take on all eight members of the Eastern Division before closing with 14 West matches (each of the seven teams twice) to end the regular season.
 
Mercyhurst travels to the Northwood Tournament to start the 2011-12 campaign. The Lakers take on Lake Superior State November 11 at 3 p.m.

For the complete preseason release, click here.