BURNSVILLE, Minn. --- The Minnesota State women's basketball team was picked to finish ninth in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll. 

The Mavericks received 114 total points to be slotted ninth. Minnesota State was also tabbed to finish fifth in the south division after picking up 22 points. 

Sioux Falls was picked to finish first in the poll with nine first-place votes and 208 total votes. The Cougars also claimed the top spot in the South Division with 47 total points and five first place votes. MSU Moorhead was slotted second in the NSIC with 185 points and three first place votes while Concordia-St. Paul rounded out the top three with 178 total points and two first place votes. 

Senior Monica Muth was named the Mavericks Player to Watch this season. Last season, Muth was the team leader in assists (76) and had the second most rebounds (153).  Muth shot .362 from the floor and .291 from three-point range last season while leading the team in steals (45).  

Minnesota State opens the season Friday, Nov. 9 at 7:00 p.m. against Waldorf at Taylor Center in Mankato, Minn.