AUGUSTA, GA – Augusta University women's basketball team was picked to finish second in the Peach Belt Conference (PBC) Preseason Coaches Poll, the league announced Wednesday. This marks a significant jump for the Jaguars after a successful 2023-24 campaign, where they achieved a 22-9 overall record, including a 15-3 mark in conference play. The team's efforts last season led to a second-place finish in the PBC standings and an NCAA Tournament appearance, their first since 2016.

"We are excited about the season," said heach coach Celeste Stewart. "Looking forward to build from last season and continuing to work towards our team ultimate goal day by day. Trusting the process. Autumn is well deserving of Preseason All-Conference, she has put in the hard work year after year. We look forward to being led by our veteran group this season."

The team returns seven seniors and graduate students, including standout first-team All-Conference selection Autumn Phillips. This experienced core is anticipated to lead Augusta through another competitive PBC season.

2024-25 Peach Belt Conference Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Columbus State (7) – 78 points
2. Augusta (1) – 68 points
3. North Georgia – 65 points
4. Georgia Southwestern (2) – 62 points
5. Flagler – 45 points
6. Clayton State – 38 points
7. Lander – 29 points
8. Georgia College & State University – 28 points
9. USC Beaufort – 26 points
10. USC Aiken – 11 points

 

Autumn Phillips, Augusta

• A senior guard from Fairburn, Ga.
• A PBC first-team All-Conference selection last year, she led the team and was ranked sixth in the PBC in scoring at 15.0 ppg...also ranked fourth in the league in steals per game and added 3.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists
• Scored 20 or more points eight times last year with a career-high 26 against Wingate...scored 19 with nine rebounds and seven steals against CSU...hit three three-pointers against Newberry, tied for third-most in a single game in the conference

The Jaguars open the season on November 8 against North Greenville University. The team's home opener is scheduled for November 15, when they will face Newberry College at 5:30 p.m. in Christenberry Fieldhouse.

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