ELMHURST, Ill. --- The Tusculum University women's bowling team is listed 14^th nationally according to the National Tenpin Coaches Association Preseason Division II/III Poll.

The Pioneers received 61 total points and are one of two Conference Carolinas bowling programs listed.

Defending national champion McKendree is the preseason favorite as the Bearcats garnered all 26 first place votes for 528 total points. Maryville (Mo.) is second followed by Wisconsin-Whitewater, Lewis, Central Missouri, Wilmington (Del.), Adelphi, Mercyhurst, Lincoln Memorial, Medaille, Marian, Newman, Caldwell, Tusculum and Kutztown.

Coach Shawn Flanary returns four letter-winners from last year's 46-43 squad including senior Alexa Tieto and sophomores Allison Robbins, Shayna Long and Savannah Price. Joining the TU program this year is freshman Emilee Horton.

Tusculum opens the season Oct. 21-23 as the Pioneers travel to Fairview Heights, Illinois for the Bearcat Hammer Open. TU finished seventh of 16 programs at last year's event as the Pioneers went 9-4 and boasted four wins over top-25 teams including then top-ranked Nebraska and No. 3 Arkansas State.

NTCA Preseason Division II/III Poll