Lady Cougars Picked Fourth in PBC Preseason Poll
By CSU Sports Information
AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Columbus State University women's basketball team was picked fourth in the preseason Peach Belt Conference coaches poll announced Wednesday.
Two-time reigning PBC champions, North Georgia, earned the top-spot receiving 10 out of the 11 possible first place votes to tally 120 points. Lander (112) and Clayton State (91) were each ahead of the Lady Cougars in second and third, respectively.
First-year head coach Matt Houser returns eight players from last year's team that went 16-13 overall and reached the PBC Tournament Championship game for the fifth time in the past six seasons.
Preseason All-Conference selection LeeAysia Williamson leads the group of returners after averaging 13.0 points per game last season while leading the team in 3-point shooting (34.4 percent). She was second on the team in assists and steals and also ranked third in rebounds. Despite missing half of the season, Chrisalyn Boston led the team in blocks and was second averaging 5.2 rebounds per game. Also returning is Kaihla Carter after leading Columbus State in assists in 2018-19.
The eight returning players will mix in with four newcomers to make up the roster.
Columbus State's regular season begins on Nov. 15 as the Lady Cougars host the PBC/SIAC Challenge in the Lumpkin Center. CSU will take on Albany State on Nov. 15 at 5 p.m. and Fort Valley on Nov. 16 at 3 p.m.