SPRINGFIELD – For the first time in 20 years, the Missouri State Lady Bears will enter the season ranked in the top 25. MSU appeared in the No. 24 spot of the Associated Press preseason poll Tuesday after being ranked for 15 weeks by the AP last year.

The Lady Bears have appeared in the preseason AP Poll three times previously, including 21st in 2000-01, 20th in 1993-94, and 13th in 1992-93.

The Lady Bears of second-year head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton are the preseason Missouri Valley Conference favorite as they return 10 players and four starters from last season's club that went 26-4 overall and 16-2 in league play as the outright regular season champions. MSU ended the year ranked 19th in the USA Today Coaches Poll, 23rd by the Associated Press and eighth in the NCAA RPI. Senior guard Brice Calip and junior forward Jasmine Franklin are preseason all-MVC selections.

Missouri State's season begins Nov. 27 at Florida Gulf Coast as part of the #BeachBubble at the Gulf Coast Showcase. MSU will also play No. 12 Maryland and Wake Forest at the event.