FRANKLIN, Tenn. -- Tennessee Tech women's hoops is no stranger to success, and with the 2012-13 season fast approaching, the hype surrounding this year's team continues to grow. First-year coach Jim Davis' Golden Eagles have been picked to finish first in the Ohio Valley Conference East Division.

For just the second time in the past seven years, Tennessee Tech has been picked as the favorite to win an OVC title. Tech picked up 15 of the 21 first place votes in this year's poll.

Tech was one of three schools to receive first-place votes in the poll, and the Golden Eagles received 121 total points, which was 13 ahead of second place Eastern Kentucky. The Colonels received six first-place votes and were tabbed second second in the East (108). Belmont (86) was picked third with three first place votes. The East poll was rounded out by Morehead State (69), Tennessee State (68) and Jacksonville State (40).

The West Division was headlined by defending tournament champions UT Martin. The Skyhawks collected 19 first-place votes and 129 points. 16 points behind was Eastern Illinois in second-place with 113 points and five first-place votes. SIUE (3) came in in third place and Murray State (77) fell in fourth place. Austin Peay (47) and Southeast Missouri (39) completed the West poll in fifth and sixth place.

Tech's squad returns four starters, including preseaon all-OVC member Jala Harris. The Eagles are looking to return to the tournament championship in the newly formatted OVC tournament. This season, with the addition of Belmont University to the conference, the OVC will break down into two divisions. The winners of each division get automatic berths into the conference championship, while the remaining seeding will be determined by winning percentage.

Tech will play in the East Division along with Belmont, Eastern Kentucky, Jacksonville State, Morehead State and Tennessee State. The West Division includes Austin Peay, Eastern Illinois, Murray State, Southeast Missouri, SIUE and UT Martin.

Season tickets to follow the 2012-13 Golden Eagles are currently on sale at the Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center, or by calling (931) 372-3940.

EAST
1. Tennessee Tech (15 first-place votes) - 121
2. Eastern Kentucky (Six first-place votes) - 108
3. Belmont (Three first-place votes) - 86
4. Morehead State - 69
5. Tennessee State - 68
6. Jacksonville State - 40
 
WEST
1. UT Martin (19 first-place votes) - 129
2. Eastern Illinois (Five first-place votes) - 113
3. SIUE - 86
4. Murray State - 77
5. Austin Peay - 47
6. Southeast Missouri - 39