BURNSVILLE, Minn. --- The Minnesota State women's swimming and diving team has been picked to finish second in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll.

MSU received three first-place votes and 59 points to secure the second spot in the poll. Augustana topped the poll with six first-place votes and 62 points. St. Cloud State followed the Mavericks in third with 49 points.

Senior Abby Gronholz was named MSU's Swimmer to Watch. Last season, Gronholz won the NSIC championship in the 200 backstroke. She also claimed All-American honors in the 100 backstroke as she finished second at the NCAA Championships with a time of 53.66.

Senior Aspen Warnygora was named MSU's Diver to Watch. Last season, Warnygora finished fourth in the 3-meter diving event at the NSIC Championships. She would go on to finish 11th in both the 1-meter and 3-meter diving events at the NCAA Championships.

Minnesota State opens its regular season schedule on Oct. 5 as it takes on the South Dakota Coyotes in Vermillion, S.D.