BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. - The West Liberty University women's basketball team was picked to finish third in the Mountain East Conference, following a vote by the league's coaches announced today.

The Hilltoppers received one first place vote and 102 points in the preseason poll. Reigning NCAA Division II National Champions, Glenville State was picked to repeat their conference title with 118 points and eight of the 12 first place votes. Charleston was the lone other opponent ranking ahead of West Liberty with three first place votes and 111 points. 

Head Coach Kyle Cooper is set to return for his sixth year at the helm of the Black and Gold. Coming off a 21-9 season a year ago with an MEC Semifinal appearance, the 'Toppers have high hopes for 2022-23. This is the highest preseason rank in the Coach Cooper era. Along with the other 11 head coaches in the conference, the WLU headman will take the stand to give a preview of the season at MEC Media Day this afternoon. Live streaming of the event is available here, it will begin at 12 pm.

West Liberty will open their season at the MEC/PSAC Challenge in Charleston, W.Va. over the weekend of November 11-12. After four games to begin the year on the road, the Hilltoppers are scheduled to take on Notre Dame College on November 22 for their home opener.

Follow Hilltopper basketball all season online at HilltopperSports.com and on Twitter (@WLU_Hoops | @WLathletics), Instagram, and Facebook.

2022-23 MEC Women's Basketball Preseason Poll
1. Glenville State (8) 118
2. Charleston (3) 111
3. West Liberty (1) 102
4. Fairmont State 84
5. West Virginia State 81
6. Concord 71
7. Notre Dame 69
8. Frostburg State 49
9. Wheeling 39
10. Alderson Broaddus 30
11. West Va. Wesleyan 20
12. Davis & Elkins 18
( ) – first-place votes