BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – University of West Alabama’s Ashton Washington highlights the Tiger program heading into the 2006-07 season, as she was selected to the Preseason Gulf South Conference Eastern Division team.

Washington, who averaged 10 points and just under eight boards a game, is joined by Jessica Russell and Kristen Banes of UAH, Trellice Moore and Jennifer Hendricks from Montevallo, Carley Peterson of Valdosta State and Amber Rutherford from North Alabama on the Eastern Division team.

The Tiger basketball team was selected to finish fifth in the Eastern Division, receiving 22 votes by the head coaches of the GSC.

UWA returns five players from last season’s team, including Washington. The Lexington, Miss native is joined by Wennica Foster, Jamie Walker, Jessica Thompson and Brandi Humphrey.

UWA head coach Amanda Marks added seven new faces to the roster, including Division I transfers Shani Jones and Kotreece Bender. Jones, a Livingston native, joins the Tigers from Alabama State, as Bender joins from Alcorn State.

West Alabama opens in exhibition play Tuesday, October 31, as the Tigers travel to Alabama for a 7:00 p.m. tip-off against the Crimson Tide. The Tigers open the regular-season Friday, November 17 against Ouachita Baptist in the OBU Tournament.