St. Louis – For the first time in 24 years (1984-85), the Illinois State Redbirds have been tabbed as the preseason favorite in the Missouri Valley Conference women’s basketball race in the annual survey of the league’s coaches, sports information directors and media members. 

Illinois State, which won the 2008 MVC Tournament and shared the regular-season title, received all 40 first-place votes for 400 points, out-distancing Creighton (310). The Valley’s four post-season teams last season hold the top four spots in this year’s poll as Creighton (WNIT), Drake (WNIT) and Evansville (WNIT) follow Illinois State (NCAA) atop the poll in a tightly-packed group behind the preseason favorite.

Complete story with poll, all-conference team and links to audio from Media Day.