A-R-C selects Storm third in preseason poll

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- A year after reaching the second round of the American Rivers Conference Tournament as the third seed, the Simpson women's basketball team is picked third in the A-R-C Preseason Coaches' Poll, announced Wednesday by the league.

Head coach Brian Niemuth is back for his 33rd year at the helm after guiding Simpson to a 20-7 overall mark and 11-5 record in league play to finish third in 2018-19, which was the team's best finish since winning the league in 2012-13. Simpson returns three of its top scorers from last year's squad and four all-conference selections, highlighted by first-teamer Jenna Taylor.

Taylor is back for her senior season after averaging 18.0 points and 7.7 rebounds per contest, second and third in the conference, respectively. Cassie Chubb and Claire Johnson return after being selected to the second team and will look to help anchor the experienced offense. Cameron Kincaid will become a bigger threat as she enters her junior campaign on the heels of 10.6 points per game last year that landed her honorable mention honors within the conference.

As a unit, the Storm return three starters on offense and return six of their top eight scorers from last year's squad that led the A-R-C in scoring at 80.5 points a game.

Simpson starts the season with an exhibition game at Drake on Sunday, Nov. 3 and opens regular season play on Friday, Nov. 15 against Wisconsin-Eau Claire in the Tip-Off Tournament hosted by Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

2019-20 American Rivers Conference Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Wartburg (27-4, 15-1)
2. Loras (22-6, 14-2)
3. Simpson (20-7, 11-5)
4. Luther (12-13, 10-6)
5. Coe (15-11, 9-7)
6. Nebraska Wesleyan (12-14, 7-9)
7. Central (7-18, 3-13)
8. Buena Vista (7-18, 2-14)
9. Dubuque (3-22, 1-15)