KANSAS CITY, Mo -- Northeastern State is picked to finish in sixth place for the third consecutive season, according to the MIAA Women's Tennis Preseason Coaches Poll released on Wednesday.

The RiverHawks had 33 points and were runner-ups in the 2023 MIAA Tournament.

Four teams had at least one first-place nod with four points separating the top three.  Washburn held the edge as the preseason pick to win this year's MIAA title with 56 points and three first-place votes.  The Ichabods edged Missouri Western by a point with the Griffons having one first-place selection.   Nebraska-Kearney earned four first-place votes and had 52 points.  Northwest Missouri had the remaining top pick and 44 points. 

Central Oklahoma rounded out the top five with 39 points.  Emporia State was seventh with 19, and Newman came in eighth with 18.  Fort Hays State completed the poll in ninth.

The 2024  women's tennis season will start on February 10 against Southwest Baptist, with MIAA contests set to begin on March 30. 

Below is the complete 2024 MIAA Women's Tennis Preseason Coaches Poll

2024 MIAA WOMEN'S TENNIS PRESEASON COACHES POLL
1. Washburn [3] – 56 points
2. Missouri Western [1] – 55 points
3. Nebraska Kearney [4] – 52 points
4. Northwest Missouri [1] – 44 points
5. Central Oklahoma – 39 points
6. Northeastern State – 33 points
7. Emporia State – 19 points 
8. Newman – 18 points 
9. Fort Hays State – 8 points