CENTER VALLEY, Pa. – Returning to the court for her senior campaign after leading the Terriers to their best season as a member of the Patriot League, Katie Nelson was recognized by the conference in earning preseason all-league team honors, as announced Monday.

Additionally, BU was predicted to finish second overall in the league's preseason poll, its highest Patriot League preseason ranking ever.
 
Bucknell, last year's regular season champion, was chosen as the preseason favorite with 15 first-place votes and totaled 160 points. BU followed with 145 points and the remaining five first-place ballots. Lafayette (121) and Lehigh (112) were right behind, while American (91), Colgate (69), Loyola (62), Army (59), Holy Cross (58) and Navy (24) comprised the rest of the field.

Nelson, a two-time All-Patriot League honoree, is widely-respected by the conference as one of the toughest and smartest players on the floor. Nelson led the NCAA in minutes per game (39.4) along with leading the team in points (12.4) and assists (3.6) a season ago, fueling BU to an 18-12 record, including a 12-6 clip in conference play. The local product has started in all 88 games of her career and is a two-time team captain.

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 team or student-athletes.

Women's Basketball Preseason All-Patriot League Team*
Jade Edwards, American, Jr., G
Katie Nelson, Boston University, Sr., G
Abby Kapp, Bucknell, Sr., G
Avery LaBarbera, Holy Cross, Jr., G
Natalie Kucowski, Lafayette, Sr., F
 
Patriot League Preseason Player of the Year: Natalie Kucowski, Lafayette, Sr., F
 
Patriot League Women's Basketball Preseason Poll
Bucknell – 160 (15 first-place votes)
Boston University – 145 (5)
Lafayette – 121
Lehigh – 112
American – 91
Colgate – 69
Loyola Maryland – 62
Army – 59
Holy Cross – 58
Navy – 24