Storm Lake Times Pilot

BVU women picked to finish ninth in ARC women’s coaches poll


The Buena Vista University women’s basketball team has been picked to finish ninth in this year’s American Rivers Conference Preseason Coaches poll announced by the league on Tuesday.

BVU is scheduled to officially tip-off its season next Saturday at Loras College.

Four-time defending regular season and tournament champion Wartburg College was the unanimous favorite to take the title in 2020-21 by receiving all eight possible first- place votes. Coaches are not permitted to vote for their own team.

The Duhawks were next with 51 total points and are coming off a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2020. Coe College, who received the final first-place vote, and Simpson College tied for third in the poll with 48 points.

The Beavers and second-year head coach David Wells return a pair of starters and seven players overall from a year ago to go along with a full slate of newcomers.

Following next Saturday’s season opener, BVU will make its home debut against Central College on Jan. 27 at 5:30 p.m.

“We’re looking forward to the playoff one-and-done atmosphere,” Wells said.