(NEW ORLEANS, La.) The Loyola University New Orleans women’s basketball team received 37 votes in the NAIA’s preseason poll. The poll was voted upon by a panel of head coaches representing each of the conferences and independents.  The Wolf Pack are just outside the Top 25 with the 26th most votes of any team mentioned in the poll.

“It’s nice to be recognized and respected at the national level.  We have a good core group returning with Jasmine Brewer, Megen Berner and Janeicia Neely.  We feel good about the players that we have recruited and look forward to starting the season in a couple weeks in Miami,” said Loyola head coach Kellie Kennedy.

The Wolfpack concluded the 2011-2012 season with an appearance in the NAIA National Tournament and a 23-6 overall record and 14-4 in conference play, marking the second best winning percentage in the program’s history. It was Kennedy’s third 20+ win season and second National Tournament appearance in her four years at Loyola.  

Despite losing two key players, Amy Sprout and Keiva Council, head coach Kellie Kennedy’s team returns starters Jasmine Brewer, Megen Berner, and Janeicia Neely. Brewer, a NAIA All-American honorable mention and SSAC All-Conference honoree, led the ‘Pack in rebounds as well as double-doubles. Brewer was voted All-Louisiana 3rd team and named the 2011-2012 National All Jesuit Women’s basketball team.

Loyola will face off against three preseason top 25 teams including #9 Lee (Tenn.) on November 30 at 5:30 p.m. in a Southern States Athletic Conference tilt, #11 Xavier (La.) in a non-conference match-up on Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m., and #25 Faulkner on January 24 at 5:30 p.m. in a SSAC contest.  The season opens on November 9 in Miami, Fla. against Johnson and Wales University with tip off slated for 7 p.m.

The first regular-season NAIA Top 25 poll will be announced on Dec. 4.

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