BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The University of West Alabama women’s basketball team was selected six in the East Division in the 2008-09 Gulf South Conference Pre-Season Coaches’ Poll.

UWA, which grabbed a berth in the GSC Tournament last season, garnered 15 points in the poll, seven points above in-state foe Montevallo. The Tigers received two votes for third place, three for fifth and one for sixth in the poll.

West Georgia was tabbed the class of the East, receiving all six first place votes with Valdosta State in second. The University of Alabama in Huntsville was third followed by North Alabama and West Florida in fourth and fifth respectively.

UWA’s Keiara Middleton and Erin Courington were tabbed among the top newcomers in the GSC East Division. Middleton, a freshman from Birmingham, Ala., is a product of Wenonah High School. Courington, a freshman from Locust Fork, Ala., hails from Locust Fork High School.

Marks’ squad returns four letterwinners from last year’s team with Valerie Harris returning as the teams leading scorer and rebounder. Harris, a native of Lake, Miss., averaged 10 points and 4.4 rebounds per game last season for the Red and White.

 West Alabama opens the season Saturday, Nov. 15 at Auburn Montgomery. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. UWA opens the home slate on Tuesday, Nov. 25 against Delta State. Tip at Pruitt Hall is set for 2:00 p.m.