AMERICUS, Ga. -- The Georgia Southwestern State University women's basketball team has been picked to finish tied for 10th in the Peach Belt Conference in a poll of league coaches.

The Lady Canes and Augusta University both totaled 30 points to tie for 10th.

Lander University is the favorite to win the conference as the Bearcats received eight of a possible 11 first-place votes for 116 points. Columbus State University came in second place with 111 points, followed by Francis Marion University and Clayton State University in third and fourth. The University of North Georgia was fifth with the University of South Carolina-Aiken sixth, Georgia College seventh and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke eighth. Flagler College was ninth with Young Harris College 12th.

Six newcomers join seven letterwinners for the Lady Canes in 2017-18 after finishing 13-13 overall (8-11 PBC) last season. Guard Brittany Grant leads the returners after averaging 8.0 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while dishing out 51 assists. Guard Gabby Figgers averaged 7.3 points and 2.0 rebounds per game.

Among the newcomers expected to make an impact for GSW this season are forward Mariya Trimble who averaged 17.5 points and 11.4 rebounds at Chattahoochee Technical College in 2016-17. Forward Amanda Melosky started 44 and played in 59 games in two years at the College of Central Florida. The Mid-Florida First Team All-Conference selection averaged 9.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in her two-year career and 11 points as a sophomore.  

The Lady Canes tip off their season Nov. 10 on the road at South Alabama, followed by the home opener Nov. 14 vs. Valdosta State.