Georgia Tech 17th in women’s basketball preseason Top 25

Georgia Tech forward Lorela Cubaj (13) grabs a rebound in front of South Carolina forward Victaria Saxton (5) during the first half of the Sweet Sixteen round of the women's NCAA Tournament Sunday, March 28, 2021, at the Alamodome in San Antonio. (Eric Gay/AP)

Credit: Eric Gay

Credit: Eric Gay

Georgia Tech forward Lorela Cubaj (13) grabs a rebound in front of South Carolina forward Victaria Saxton (5) during the first half of the Sweet Sixteen round of the women's NCAA Tournament Sunday, March 28, 2021, at the Alamodome in San Antonio. (Eric Gay/AP)

Georgia Tech’s women’s basketball team was ranked 17th in the preseason AP poll, making it the third time in team history that it has been included in the preseason Top 25. The poll was released Tuesday.

The Yellow Jackets’ status as a team to watch going into the 2021-22 season was secured by their third-place finish in the conference last season and their ensuing run in the NCAA Tournament to the Sweet 16. Coach Nell Fortner’s team returns 10 letter-winners, all five starters and 97.5% of its scoring, including leading scorer Lotta-Maj Lahtinen (15.0 points per game).

Tech is one of five ACC teams in the Top 25, along with No. 5 N.C. State, No. 6 Louisville, No. 16 Florida State and No. 24 Virginia Tech. South Carolina is atop the poll.

The Jackets open the season Nov. 9 at Central Michigan with the home opener Nov. 11 against Kennesaw State.

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