RUSTON ââ'¬" What a difference a year makes.

Just 12 months after being picked to finish 12th in the 14-team Conference USA Preseason Coaches' Poll, the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters have gained new respect among the league coaches.

Head coach Brooke Stoehr and Co. have been picked to finish third this season behind only preseason favorite Middle Tennessee and defending C-USA champion WKU.

The Lady Techsters surprised the conference last season after posting a 12-6 mark in league play, finishing fourth in the regular season standings, advancing to the C-USA Tournament semifinals and earning the program's first postseason appearance since 2011.

LA Tech returns six letter winners, including three starters, from last year's team including leading scorer Kierra Anthony and lone senior forward Alexus Malone. The Lady Techsters added eight newcomers to the roster, including four freshmen, three junior college transfers and one Division I transfer.

Middle Tennessee edged WKU for the top spot on the poll followed by LA Tech, Charlotte, Rice, Southern Miss, UAB, North Texas, Marshall, Old Dominion, UTEP, UTSA, Florida Atlantic and FIU.

Tech opens its season on Nov. 10 at home against Grambling State at 11 a.m. The Lady Techsters have 16 home games this season, including marquee non-conference matchups versus Clemson and Memphis.

Season tickets are on sale and can be purchased by calling the Tech Ticket Office at 318-257-3631 or emailing techtickets@latech.edu.