Oct. 27, 2009 - The Green Bay women's basketball team was predicted to win its 12th straight Horizon League regular season title, according to the league's preseason poll announced today. The Phoenix earned its 11th straight regular-season championship last season by becoming the first team in league history to win 18 games, the nation's longest active streak.

The Phoenix collected 19 out of a possible 28 first-place votes and received 266 points from coaches, sports information directors and media representatives. Returning four starters this season, Cleveland State finished second in the voting (4 first place votes, 243 points) after finishing third in the final conference standings last season. Last year's conference runner-up, Butler, finished third in the preseason poll (3 first place votes, 234 points) followed by UIC (160 points) and in-state rival Milwaukee (1 first place vote, 155 points) to round out the top five.

Rounding out the preseason poll standings are Valparaiso (145), Wright State (126), Detroit (103), Loyola (78) and Youngstown State (30). The preseason all-league teams will be announced Wednesday.

This year's Green Bay squad features eight new players and has the second youngest starting line-up in the Horizon League with lone returner Celeste Hoewisch (G, Junior).

Green Bay begins play with an exhibition game on Sat., Oct. 31 as they host cross-town competitor St. Norbert at 2 p.m. Its final exhibition game will be against UW-Parkside on Nov. 7 with tip off at noon at the Kress Events Center. The Phoenix will begin regular season action on Nov. 13 at North Dakota.

2009-10 Horizon League Preseason Poll

1          Green Bay                                266 (19)

2          Cleveland St.                  243(4)

3          Butler                            234 (3)

4          UIC                               160 (0)

5          Milwaukee                      155 (1)

6          Valparaiso                      145

7          Wright State                   126

8          Detroit                           103 (1)

9          Loyola                            78

10         Youngstown State            30

*  First place votes in parentheses

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