CENTER VALLEY, Pa. - Coming off its best regular season finish in Patriot League play, the Boston University women's basketball was predicted to finish fourth overall, earning its highest preseason ranking since joining the league, as announced Thursday. 

Lehigh was named the league's preseason favorite, earning 140 points, leading the way with nine first-place votes. Holy Cross followed with 138 points and five first-place votes, while Bucknell was right behind with 132 points and four first-place votes. American (103) nabbed the remaining two first-place votes, while Colgate (78), Loyola Maryland (74), Navy (44), Lafayette (42) and Army West Point (36) rounded out the poll.

Voting for the Patriot League women's basketball preseason poll, player of the year and All-League team was conducted by League head coaches and sports information directors. Neither group was permitted to vote for their own team or student-athletes.

Head coach Marisa Moseley, the reigning Patriot League Coach of the Year, will enter her second season at the helm of the program, while nine Terriers return to the lineup, and six newcomers will look to make an impact. BU matched its best Patriot League record at 11-7 last season and posted an overall record of 15-14, marking its first winning season in five years.

Women's Basketball Preseason All-Patriot League Team*
Ellie Mack, Bucknell, Sr., F
Rachel Thompson, Colgate, Sr., G
Lauren Manis, Holy Cross, Sr., F
Natalie Kucowski, Lafayette, Jr., F
Camryn Buhr, Lehigh, Sr., G
 
Patriot League Preseason Player of the Year: Lauren Manis, Holy Cross, Sr., F
 
Patriot League Women's Basketball Preseason Poll
Lehigh –140 (9 first-place votes)
Holy Cross – 138 (5 first-place votes)
Bucknell – 132 (4 first-place votes)
Boston University – 113
American – 103 (2 first-place vote)
Colgate – 78
Loyola Maryland – 74
Navy – 44
Lafayette – 42
Army West Point – 36
 
*Student-athletes are listed alphabetically by institution.