Preseason MIAA basketball coaches’ polls have Olivet College men and women picked to finish fifth

The Olivet College men's and women's basketball teams were both selected to finish in fifth-place in the 2005-06 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Preseason Coaches' Polls. Each coach was not allowed to vote for his/her own team. Hope College was tabbed as the men's and women's preseason favorite.

The Olivet men received 33 points. The Comets' preseason roster features seven seniors, two juniors, six sophomores and three freshmen. A year ago, Olivet had an 11-15 overall record and 5-9 mark in MIAA play.

The Comets, who are under the direction of second-year Head Coach Kurt Soderberg, open the 2005-06 season Nov. 18-19 when they host the Gary Morrison Tip-Off Tournament. Friday's games feature Olivet versus Andrews University at 1:30 p.m., followed by Marygrove College versus Spring Arbor University. Saturday's consolation and championship games are at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., respectively.

On the women's side, Olivet received 37 points. The Comets return seven letterwinners from the 2004-05 team to go along seven junior college transfers. Last year, they finished the season with a 7-18 overall record and 2-14 MIAA mark.

Deanna Richard, who is in her fifth year as head coach, and the Comets begin the 2005-06 campaign Nov. 19-20 at the Kean (N.J.) University Tip-Off Tournament. Olivet plays Keystone (Pa.) College in its season-opener at 6 p.m.