AUSTINTOWN – The Ohio Athletic Conference coaches have picked the Wilmington women's basketball to eighth in the preseason poll released today (November 7).

Wilmington must replace its top two scorers and rebounders as it heads into the 2013-14 season. In total, the Fightin' Quakers lost five seniors, all of which played significant roles a year ago.

Baldwin Wallace was picked to win the OAC with five first-place votes and 77 points. Reigning champion Ohio Northern earned the other five first-place votes with 75 points to be picked second. Capital was picked to finish third with 58 points, followed by Mount Union (55), John Carroll (49), Otterbein (39), Marietta (37), Wilmington (34), Muskingum (14), and Heidelberg (12).

It's clear Wilmington head coach Jerry Scheve doesn't put much emphasis on the preseason voting.

"I am glad polls don't decide basketball games," said Scheve as he enters his 23rd season at Wilmington.

Wilmington returns its entire backcourt, led by senior guard Haley Howard (Uhrichsville, OH/New Philadelphia), who averaged 7.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists. She is the top returning scorer for the Fightin' Quakers.

The season kicks off 6 p.m. November 15 with Trine at the Damon's/Hampton Inn Kick-Off Tournament at Fred Raizk Arena.