Preview: Cal (Pa.), Gannon, IUP expected to be top contenders for PSAC West women's basketball title

Cal (Pa.) is the top vote-getter in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West Division women’s basketball poll.

Gannon and IUP also received first-place votes.

Cal (21-11) captured back-to-back PSAC titles, defeating nationally ranked Gannon in the tournament final.

PSAC Tournament MVP and double-double producer Allycia Harris returns for the Vulcans and coach Jess Strom.

Gannon (29-5) was ranked No. 21 in the WBCA Division II Top 25 at the end of the season and was No. 22 in the D2SIDA poll.

Sam Pirosko (20.4 ppg), a second-team All-American, returns for the Golden Knights.

With 97 wins and 17 straight PSAC Tournament appearances, IUP (18-10) always is in the mix. Second-year coach Craig Carey returns four starters, including Kiera Baughman (14.8 ppg).

Edinboro (17-12) was a conference quarterfinalist under PSAC West Coach of the Year Callie Wheeler. Hayley Sims (14.7) returns to the backcourt for the Fighting Scots.

Olivia Fasick and Peyton Alazaus will lead Pitt-Johnstown (17-13), and Seton Hill seeks a 10th straight PSAC Tournament trip under first-year coach Maeve Gallagher. Christiane Frye is one of the Griffins’ top players.

Mercyhurst (15-14) won more games than it had since 2017, Slippery Rock (15-13) averaged nearly 10 steals a game and Clarion (5-22) looks to improve under first-year coach Danielle Fleming. Clarion has 10 new players: six transfers and four freshmen.

PSAC West coaches’ poll

1. California (5)

2. Gannon (2)

3. IUP (1)

4. Edinboro

5. Pitt-Johnstown (1)

6. Seton Hill

7. Mercyhurst

8. Slippery Rock

9. Clarion

PSAC East coaches’ poll

1. West Chester (8)

2. Kutztown (1)

3. Shippensburg

4. Bloomsburg

5. East Stroudsburg

6. Lock Haven

7. Millersville

8. Mansfield

9. Shepherd