ANNVILLE, PA (October 27, 2021) -- After missing the 2020-21 season due to the CoVID-19 pandemic, the King's College women's basketball team is ready to get back in action this season. This morning, the Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom (MAC Freedom) announced the 2021-22 preseason poll as voted on by the nine conference coaches. The Monarchs have been tabbed to finish seventh overall in the MAC Freedom standings.

King's received 29 total points, falling just two points behind sixth-place Lycoming (31 points), and three behind fifth-seeded Delaware Valley (32 points). The three-time MAC Freedom champions from DeSales University took home the top spot in the poll with 64 total points and eight first place votes. Stevens ranked second (51 points), followed by Misericordia in third (46 points), and Arcadia closely behind (44 points) to round out the top four teams.

The Monarchs will look to return to the court this season led by senior guard Samantha Rajza. Rajza returns after a stellar sophomore season where she earned All-MAC Freedom Second Team honors, averaging 15.5 points per game, 5.7 rebounds per game, and a team-best 73 steals. Also to return after strong campaigns in 2019-20 are senior Emily Kriston and junior Emily Morano. Kriston ran the offense and anchored a solid defensive effort, leading the Monarchs with 115 assists and starting in all 27 games in 31.7 minutes per game. Morano returns after a strong finish to her rookie campaign, averaging 10.8 points and 4.2 rebounds a night with a team-high 48.8 field-goal percentage, and looks to fill a bigger role this season as an upperclassman.

Head coach Caitlin Hadzimichalis is back to lead the Monarchs in her fifth official season of competition. She has posted a 48-55 overall record and looks to record her fourth consecutive active season with a playoff appearance.

King's opens their 2021-22 campaign on Tuesday, November 9 as they travel to Gwynedd Mercy University for a 7:00 p.m. tip off before opening at home on Saturday, November 13 at 5:00 p.m. in McGrane Gymnasium. MAC Freedom play begins on Wednesday, December 1 at home against Misericordia at 6:00 p.m.

MAC Freedom Preseason Poll (1st Place Votes):
1 - DeSales University - 64 (8)
2 - Stevens - 51
3 - Misericordia University - 46
4 - Arcadia University - 44
5 - Delaware Valley University - 32
6 - Lycoming College - 31
7 - King's College - 29
8 - Wilkes University - 17
9 - FDU-Florahm - 10