LAS VEGAS, Nev. (Oct. 16, 2024) – The Mountain West announced the Preseason All-Mountain West Women’s Basketball Poll, as well as Preseason Individual honors, Wednesday at Media Day in Las Vegas. The poll and preseason honors were voted on by the league’s 11 head coaches and select media.

The Wyoming Cowgirls, entering their third season under Head Coach Heather Ezell, were picked to finish in second place in the preseason poll. The Cowgirls, who received a total of 251 points, garnered three first-place votes. Three-time defending league champion UNLV was tabbed as the favorite with 298 points and had 21 first-place votes. Colorado State received four first-place nods and 248 points, finishing just behind the Cowgirls in third place. Boise State (221 points) and San Diego State (two first-place votes, 218 points) rounded-out the top five.

As far as individual accolades, senior Allyson Fertig was selected as the Preseason Co-Player of the Year along with Colorado State’s Emma Ronsiek, who transferred to CSU from Creighton this season. Fertig was also named to the Preseason All-Mountain West Team.

Fertig, who is a two-time All-Mountain West Team honoree, was named to the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award Watch List last week. Last season, Fertig ranked sixth in the conference, averaging 14.3 points per game. Fertig was second in the league in rebounding (8.4 RPG) and blocks (1.6 BPG) a season ago and led the league and finished 10^th nationally with a 60.8-percent field goal percentage. Her 13 double-doubles in 2023-24, also led the MW.

The Cowgirls host Chadron State in a 5:30 p.m., exhibition contest in Laramie November 1. The regular season tips off Nov. 4 as Colorado comes to town for a 5:30 p.m., game.