CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb women's basketball team was tabbed fifth overall in the Big South Conference Preseason Poll, released Wednesday morning as part of Big South Basketball Media Day at Bojangles Coliseum.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs received a total of 93 points in the poll, including five third-place votes.
 
Alasia Smith was named a Second-Team All-Conference selection. The Johnson City, Tennessee native led the league in scoring with 11.3 points per game and led in offensive rebounds with four per game. Smith was second in steals with 2.8 per game, and third overall with 8.1 rebounds per game. Smith had three double-doubles, and two games with 20+ points during the 2020-21 season. At the conclusion of the season Smith had racked up five Big South Freshman of the Week honors, and was named 2020-21 Big South Freshman of the Year.
 
Last season, Gardner-Webb posted an 11-13 record, and went 10-7 in conference action, which led to a fourth-place finish overall.
 
Entering the 2021-22 season, the 'Dogs roster features top returners Lauren Bevis, Jhessyka Williams, Alasia Smith, and Ki'Ari Cain. The roster also features four newcomers, split between transfers and freshmen: L'Mia Littlejohn from Western Carolina University, Sarah Matthews from Gulf Coast State College (NJCAA), Sharkara Anderson, and Laken Cox.  
 
On Tuesday, November 9, the Runnin' Bulldogs will open the 2021-22 season on the road in Nashville, Tennessee as they take on SEC foe Vanderbilt University.
 
 For the latest on Gardner-Webb Women's Basketball, follow @GWU_WBK on social media or visit GWUSports.com.