SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Chattanooga women’s basketball team was selected by members of the SoCon media as the preseason frontrunner to win the 2014-15 Southern Conference championship.

The Mocs received 17 out of 24 first-place votes from the media to earn a total of 183 points and take the top spot in the preseason rankings. The two-time defending SoCon champions will look defend their title with three starters returners from last season’s squad.

Furman took six first-place votes and collected 163 points to earn the No. 2 slot in the preseason poll. SoCon newcomer Mercer received the remaining first-place vote and tallied 124 points to earn the third-place ranking. Samford finished eight points back of the Bears to come in fourth with 116 points.

ETSU earned 100 points to claim the fifth spot as they return for their first season in the league since 2004-05. Western Carolina (86), UNCG (55) and Wofford (37) rounded out the group, coming in sixth, seventh and eighth, respectively.

The Southern Conference women’s basketball season tips off on Friday, Nov.14, and the 2015 Southern Conference Tournament will be held March 5-8 in Asheville, N.C.

2014-15 SoCon Women’s Basketball Media Preseason Poll