.png&width=40&type=webp)
Women's Basketball Tabbed for Third in WAC by Coaches, Media
10/9/2019 10:04:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Ericka Mattingly Named Preseason WAC Player of the Year by Media
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Following a monumental year in which the Kansas City Women's Basketball team posted its best record in eight years, it received the validation of Western Athletic Conference coaches and media. It was selected to finish third in both the Coaches and Media Preseason WAC Polls, behind New Mexico State, winner of the past five regular season titles, and California Baptist, which finished 11-5 in its first year against WAC competition.
The Roos garnered two first place votes in the media poll and one in the coaches poll, finishing just four points behind California Baptist for second place with the media. The Roos and Lancers split two close matchups last year, which were decided by a combined seven points.Â
"I think the conference is wide open," Head Coach Jacie Hoyt said. "It's so competitive, any team can beat anyone on any given night."
Kansas City will bring a new-look squad onto the court this year with six new signees, including four junior college transfers, all of whom were honored by the NJCAA All-American committee at some point during their career.Â
The Roos will also return six players from last year's squad, including consensus WAC First Teamer Ericka Mattingly, who posted a historic 2018-19 season. She was the first player in WAC history to lead the conference in points (19.8), assists (6.0) and steals (2.8) per game.
Mattingly's game was also recognized, as she was voted onto the Coaches' Preseason First Team and named the Media's Preseason Player of the Year.
"I know what I'm going to get from Ericka," Hoyt said. "She has a will to win, and I think she hates to lose more than she loves to win."
The Roos will open their season on November 5 at 5 p.m. in the Swinney Center as they take on future Summit League opponent Denver. The game will be the first of a Roo Basketball doubleheader, as the men will match up with Avila afterwards.
