October 17, 2007
Contact: Mike Christie, Sports Information Director

Ferrum Picked As USA South Preseason Women's Basketball Favorite

(FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.) - Ferrum College, under the direction of third-year Head Coach Bryan Harvey, was picked in the preseason coaches' poll to win the USA South Athletic Conference 2007-08 women's basketball title. Last season, the Panthers captured their first-ever USA South Regular Season Championship. Ferrum advanced to the finals of the USA South Tournament before falling.

Ferrum received four of ten first-place votes (75 points) as head coaches do not vote for their own teams in the balloting.

Christopher Newport University, the defending USA South Tournament Champions, finished second in the poll with 65 points and two first-place votes. Methodist University earned three first-place votes and finished third in the poll with 63 points while Greensboro College placed a close fourth with 60 points. Peace College received the final first-place vote and was ranked sixth with 47 points.

The USA South will welcome two new members this season as Mary Baldwin College and Meredith College join the Conference.

The 2007-08 campaign tips-off on Friday, November 16 when Ferrum, Mary Baldwin, Meredith, Methodist and Peace are all in action.

2007 USA South Women's Basketball Coaches Poll
Rank	Institution (1st place Votes)	Pts.
1.	Ferrum (4)	75
2.	Christopher Newport (2)	65
3.	Methodist (3)	63
4.	Greensboro	60
5.	Shenandoah	50
6.	Peace (1)	47
7.	Meredith	26
8.	Mary Baldwin	24
9.	Averett	23
10.	N.C. Wesleyan	17