By james art IRVINE, Calif. – The Concordia Irvine University women’s basketball team projects as a Top 5 team in the conference after the PacWest preseason poll was released Thursday.
Votes for the poll are from the head coaches of the 14 schools in the league, which boasts three newcomers this season with Jessup, Menlo and Vanguard in their first seasons at the NCAA DII level.
Head coach Christine Collins-Kiernan has led Concordia to each of the last six PacWest Conference tournaments, and the Golden Eagles are eager to find a way back to the postseason.
Among the returning student-athletes are sophomore guards Izzy Navarro and Hannah Vella. Navarro was named the PacWest Freshman of the Year after leading CUI in three major categories. The Tijuana, Mexico native averaged a team-high 13.5 points per game along with 3.0 assists and 1.9 steals per contest.
Vela was another key player for the Golden Eagles, playing in every game as a true freshman. The Mater Dei High School graduate from Tustin averaged 4.4 points while shooting 34 percent from long range in her freshman season.
Upperclassmen Erica Maggard and Camryn Kiernan also return for another season after playing in every competition a year ago. That duo combined for 13 points and over five rebounds per game and showed their versatility as they served as contributors in various roles throughout their careers at CUI.
Also returning to the team are Kayla Cabbacang, Ava Dominguez, Justice Harris, Maggie Teven, Michaela Young and senior Kaylee Santoswhich will provide depth with different matchups.
A pair of freshman forwards will look to make an early impact. Native of Yucca Valley Cadance Tarrant (Yucca Valley HS) and Sophie McWatt of Australia (Burgmann Angelican School) will try to provide a spark. Fellow freshman guard Ali Pulsipher (Vista Murrieta HS) hails from Murrieta, California.
A new graduate student and a familiar face round out the list. Newcomer Alexis Legan comes to CUI from SIU-Edwardsville and Sierra Clark is returning for her final year of eligibility after earning her bachelor’s degree in 2023.
Concordia opens the regular season on Friday, November 8 at Cal State San Bernardino at 1:00 PM PT.
Kickoff for the women’s basketball team will be Saturday, November 16 at 4:00 p.m. PST vs. Cal Poly Humboldt.
CLICK HERE for the complete CUI Women’s Basketball schedule
PacWest WBB Preseason Poll
total points followed by first place votes ().
1. Azusa Pacific 189 (9)
2. Point Loma 185 (4)
3. Dominican 163 (1)
4. Fresno Pacific 148
5. Concordia 131
6. Westmont 109
7. Vanguard 105
8. Biola 93
9. Menlo 74
10. Hawaii Pacific 68
11. Hawaii Hilo 65
12. Art Academy 62
13. Jessup 56
14. Chaminade 18
CLICK HERE for PacWest women’s basketball preview article