UCA tops Southland poll

The University of Central Arkansas women’s team received 14 of 20 first-place votes to finish atop the Southland Conference preseason poll released Wednesday.

The Bears finished with 232 points. Stephen F. Austin finished second with 219 points, followed by Abilene Christian (204), Houston Baptist (180) and Northwestern (La.) State (138).

UCA was only the fourth team in Southland history to go undefeated in conference play last season. The Sugar Bears return six all-conference selections, including Player of the Year Camille Bassett.