ST. LOUIS, MO. ? The Drake women's basketball team has been tabbed to finish third in the 2008-09 Missouri Valley Conference this season.

In the Valley's annual poll of coaches, sports information directors and media members, the Bulldogs garnered 297 points. Illinois State topped the rankings, receiving all 40 first-place votes and 400 total points. Creighton landed in second with 310 points.

The defending MVC regular-season champion Bulldogs return eight letter winners, including three regular starters and six players with starting experience, to a team that finished 23-11 last season and advanced to the second round of the NIT.

Rounding out the rankings is Evansville in fourth with 342 points followed by Northern Iowa (245), Missouri State (215 points), Indiana State (166 points), Bradley (161 points), Southern Illinois (108 points) and Wichita State (47 points).

The Bulldogs will open their 35th season of intercollegiate competition versus Texas State, Friday Nov. 14 at 7:05 p.m. in the Knapp Center. Drake will have two exhibition games for the campaign as the Blue and White will host Quincy Nov. 1 and Minnesota-Duluth Nov. 6. Game times are scheduled for 1:05 p.m. and 7:05 p.m., respectively

2008-09 Missouri Valley Conference Women's Basketball Preseason Poll
1) Illinois State (40) ? 400 points
2) Creighton ? 310 points
3) Drake ? 297 points
4) Evansville ? 251 points
5) Northern Iowa ? 245 points
6) Missouri State ? 215 points
7) Indiana State ? 166 points
8) Bradley ? 161 points
9) Southern Illinois ? 108 points
10) Wichita State ? 47 points

2008-09 Missouri Valley Conference Women's Basketball Preseason Team
Kristi Cirone, Jr., G, Illinois State
Maggie Dwyer, Sr., F, Missouri State

Jacqui Kalin, So., G, Northern Iowa

Maggie Krick, Jr., G, Illinois State

Shannon Novosel, Sr., C, Evansville