Appalachian State
Record: 4-1
Players to watch: Anna Freeman, Courtney Freeman — The unrelated Freemans are the top returning players from last season’s title team, and each is capable of filling up the stat sheet.
Outlook: The Mountaineers went 17-3 in the SoCon last season on their way to the title. The loss of big post Ashlen Dewart (now at UTC) hurts their chances of repeating, but ASU is still among the favorites.
College of Charleston
Record: 1-3
Player to watch: Mikaela Hopkins — The 6-foot-5 freshman will make her presence felt in the SoCon and should be among the league leaders in rebounds and blocks.