University of Houston Athletics
Laila Blair shoots during a game in the 2020-21 season
Blair picks up Preseason All-Conference Second Team, Cougars picked to finish third
10/13/2021 10:00:00 AM | General, Women's Basketball
Guard Laila Blair earns Preseason All-Conference Second Team
HOUSTON – The Houston women's basketball team has been selected to finish third in the annual American Conference Preseason Poll voted on by the league's head coaches.
The Cougars received 77 votes in the poll behind South Florida who was picked to finish first with 100 points and UCF who took the second spot with 91 points. Four starters and seven letterwinners return for the Cougars, who posted a 17-8 record, finished third in the American Athletic Conference with a 12-5 mark and advanced to the WNIT First Round in 2020-21. It was the program's third straight postseason appearance.
Sophomore guard Laila Blair was also tabbed on the Preseason All-Conference Second Team after a standout freshman season with the Cougars. The team also comprised of Sydni Harvy (South Florida), Elisa Pinzan (South Florida), Krystal Freeman (Tulane and Maya Mayberry (Tulsa). The Houston native led the Cougars with 10.5 points per game on the way to being named to the American Athletic Conference All-Freshman Team.
Tatyana Hill led the Cougars with 6.2 rebounds per contest, while Dymond Gladney paced the team with 3.2 assists per game.
Preseason Player of the Year
Mia Davis, F, Temple
Preseason All-Conference First Team
Tay Sanders, G, UCF
Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu, F, South Florida
Bethy Mununga, F, South Florida
Elena Tsineke, G, South Florida
Mia Davis, F, Temple*
Asia Strong, F, Wichita State
Preseason All-Conference Second Team
Laila Blair, G, Houston
Sydni Harvey, G, South Florida
Elisa Pinzan, G, South Florida
Krystal Freeman, F, Tulane
Maya Mayberry, G, Tulsa
*denotes unanimous selection
BUY 2021-22 SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2021-22 season are now available for purchase at the Houston Athletics Tickets Office. Fans may call the Athletics Ticket Office at 71-462-6647 during regular business hours or click here anytime.
JOIN the FASTBREAK CLUB
Houston Women's Basketball fans are encouraged to become members of the Fastbreak Club. For more information or to sign up, fans should click here or call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (4684).
FOLLOW the COUGARS
Fans can receive daily information and in-game updates by following @UHCougarWBB on Twitter. Fans can also catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page and Instagram page.
The Cougars received 77 votes in the poll behind South Florida who was picked to finish first with 100 points and UCF who took the second spot with 91 points. Four starters and seven letterwinners return for the Cougars, who posted a 17-8 record, finished third in the American Athletic Conference with a 12-5 mark and advanced to the WNIT First Round in 2020-21. It was the program's third straight postseason appearance.
Sophomore guard Laila Blair was also tabbed on the Preseason All-Conference Second Team after a standout freshman season with the Cougars. The team also comprised of Sydni Harvy (South Florida), Elisa Pinzan (South Florida), Krystal Freeman (Tulane and Maya Mayberry (Tulsa). The Houston native led the Cougars with 10.5 points per game on the way to being named to the American Athletic Conference All-Freshman Team.
Tatyana Hill led the Cougars with 6.2 rebounds per contest, while Dymond Gladney paced the team with 3.2 assists per game.
| Team (First-Place Votes) | Points |
|---|---|
| 1. South Florida (10) | 100 |
| 2. UCF (1) | 91 |
| 3. Houston | 77 |
| 4. Tulane | 72 |
| 5. Temple | 69 |
| 6. Cincinnati | 44 |
| 7. East Carolina | 38 |
| 8. Wichita State | 36 |
| 9. Tulsa | 32 |
| 10. SMU | 26 |
| 11. Memphis | 20 |
Preseason Player of the Year
Mia Davis, F, Temple
Preseason All-Conference First Team
Tay Sanders, G, UCF
Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu, F, South Florida
Bethy Mununga, F, South Florida
Elena Tsineke, G, South Florida
Mia Davis, F, Temple*
Asia Strong, F, Wichita State
Preseason All-Conference Second Team
Laila Blair, G, Houston
Sydni Harvey, G, South Florida
Elisa Pinzan, G, South Florida
Krystal Freeman, F, Tulane
Maya Mayberry, G, Tulsa
*denotes unanimous selection
BUY 2021-22 SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2021-22 season are now available for purchase at the Houston Athletics Tickets Office. Fans may call the Athletics Ticket Office at 71-462-6647 during regular business hours or click here anytime.
JOIN the FASTBREAK CLUB
Houston Women's Basketball fans are encouraged to become members of the Fastbreak Club. For more information or to sign up, fans should click here or call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (4684).
FOLLOW the COUGARS
Fans can receive daily information and in-game updates by following @UHCougarWBB on Twitter. Fans can also catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page and Instagram page.
Players Mentioned
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