KINGSTON, R.I. -- The Atlantic 10 announced the preseason poll and preseason All-Conference awards on Monday ahead of media day. Forward Anaelle Dutat and guard Sophie Phillips were both named to the Preseason All-Conference Third Team. Dutat also earned a spot on the Preseason All-Defensive Team for the second consecutive year. The Rams, who finished 21-14 a season ago, were selected to finish eighth in the conference among the league's head coaches.

Dutat, making her second career appearance on the preseason All-Defensive team, finished the year second on the team in rebounds, grabbing 6.5 each time out. While most see her as a primary defender, Dutat has proved she's also a scoring threat. She shot nearly 50 percent from the floor last season, boasting a 47.6 field goal percentage (59-124). Her freshman year, she shot 52.4 percent (33-of-63). She collected five double-digit scoring efforts in her sophomore campaign, and owns two career double-doubles.

Phillips, arguably the best 3-point shooter in program history, shot the lights out from downtown a season ago. She racked up 89 3-pointers - the most in a single season - passing former Ram Charise Wilson (82; 2015-16) for the top spot. The guard is well on her way to the all-time record, sitting at 168 career 3-pointers made for fourth place, needing 30 treys for the most in program history. She started in all 34 games last year, and averaged 10.7 points per game. Phillips also gets in done in the classroom, earning a spot on the Atlantic 10 All-Academic Team for the first time in her career. 

The Rams had their third straight 20-win season for the first time in program history in 2023-24. They made it to the first Atlantic 10 title game in over 20 years back in March, falling to eventual champion Richmond. Rhody welcomed two transfers in the offseason, and four true freshmen who will look to make their marks in Kingston this year. 

Rhode Island opens the year hosting Stonehill in a doubleheader with the men's basketball team on Nov. 4 at The Ryan Center. For season tickets, click here. 

ATLANTIC 10 PRESEASON POLL
1. Richmond (10) ........................................................216
2. Saint Joseph's (4) ...................................................211
3. George Mason ........................................................188
4. Davidson (1).............................................................173
5. VCU.............................................................................153
6. Duquesne.................................................................148
7. Saint Louis................................................................132
8. Rhode Island............................................................122
9. Fordham ...................................................................96
Loyola Chicago.......................................................96
11. Dayton.......................................................................84
12. George Washington .............................................71
13. Massachusetts.........................................................40
14. St. Bonaventure......................................................38
15. La Salle.......................................................................32
Number in parenthesis indicates number of first-place votes

PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE FIRST TEAM
Player School Yr. Pos. Ht.
Megan McConnell Duquesne Sr. G 5-7
Taylor Donaldson Fordham Gr. G 5-10
Addie Budnik Richmond Gr. F 6-2
Maggie Doogan Richmond Jr. G 6-2
Talya Brugler Saint Joseph's Sr. F 6-1
Laura Ziegler Saint Joseph's Jr. F 6-2

PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE SECOND TEAM
Player School Yr. Pos. Ht.
Charlise Dunn Davidson Jr. G 6-2
Zahirah Walton George Mason So. F 5-11
Rachel Ullstrom Richmond Jr. G 6-1
Mackenzie Smith Saint Joseph's Sr. G 5-10
Peyton Kennedy Saint Louis Gr. F 5-11
Timaya Lewis-Eutsey VCU Jr. G 5-8

PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE THIRD TEAM
Player School Yr. Pos. Ht.
Ta'Viyanna Habib George Mason Sr. G 5-11
Kennedy Harris George Mason So. G 5-7
Nalani Kaysia George Mason Gr. F 6-2
Anaelle Dutat Rhode Island Jr. F 6-0
Sophie Phillips Rhode Island Sr. G 6-0
Mary-Anna Asare VCU Jr. G 5-8

PRESEASON ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAM
Player School Yr. Pos. Ht.
Megan McConnell Duquesne Sr. G 5-7
Anaelle Dutat Rhode Island Jr. F 6-0
Addie Budnik Richmond Gr. F 6-2
Kennedy Calhoun Saint Louis Sr. G 5-5
Mykel Parham VCU Gr. F 6-1