CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The American Rivers Conference released the 2019-20 Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll on Wednesday Oct. 16, with reigning conference champion Wartburg selected to finish first in the conference standings.

The Knights earned 63 points along with seven first place votes, finishing five points ahead of the runners-up from Loras, who received two first place votes. 

Wartburg finished with a 27-4 overall record along with a 15-1 conference mark last season, collecting the program's third consecutive regular season and tournament titles. The Orange and Black defeated Loras 73-61 in the A-R-C Championship and advanced to the NCAA Elite 8, falling to No. 2-ranked University of St. Thomas.  

The 2019-20 schedule begins Nov. 15-16 at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire classic, as the Knights are slated to face UW-La Crosse and UW-Eau Claire.

Wartburg heads to Pella Dec. 4 for the conference opener, and hosts UW-Stout Dec. 11 for the home opener.
 
2019-20 A-R-C Women's Basketball Preseason Poll Results
 
1. Wartburg - 63 total points (7 First Place Votes)
2. Loras - 58 (2)
3. Simpson - 49
4. Luther - 41
5. Coe - 39
6. Nebraska Wesleyan - 27
7. Central - 24
8. Buena Vista - 12
9. Dubuque - 11