Simpson Earns Top Spot in A-R-C Preseason Poll

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- The reigning American Rivers Conference Champions have been selected as the coaches' favorite to win the 2021-22 league title in the A-R-C Women's Basketball Preseason Poll released on Tuesday.

Simpson tallied 61 points in the poll with six of nine first-place votes, Wartburg picked up two first-place votes for 56 points, and Loras collected the final vote to rank third with 53 points.

The Storm enter the 2021-22 season after going undefeated last year to earn the program's first conference championship since 2013 and 13th overall.

Reigning A-R-C Coach of the Year Brian Niemuth returns all five starters for his 35th season at the helm, including Jenna Taylor who was named A-R-C MVP last year. Taylor, a member of the D3hoops.com and Women's Basketball Coaches' Association All-America First Teams, was first in the league in rebounds per contest (9.0) and second in scoring (20.1).

Along with Taylor, Cameron Kincaid, Cassie Nash and Kia Rasmussen all return to the hardwood for the Storm. Kincaid landed a spot on both the All-A-R-C First Team and All-West Region Second Team as a senior after averaging 14.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. Nash and Rasmussen both earned second team all-conference honors a year ago.

Simpson is set to open its season at home for the first time since 2018-19. The Storm will welcome Gustavus Adolphus to Cowles Fieldhouse on Nov. 12 for an 8 p.m. non-conference showdown.