Women's college basketball wasn't always dominated by UConn, Tennessee and South Carolina.

A half-century ago, tiny Immaculata won the first three national AIAW titles. Delta State soon followed before the likes of Louisiana Tech, Old Dominion and Rutgers started a slow trend of bigger programs becoming the backbone of a fledgling sport that many Americans were — and are — still learning to appreciate.

The women's basketball poll has been there for it all. Founded by the Philadelphia Inquirer's Mel Greenberg in 1976, it began six years before the first NCAA Tournament. The upcoming season marks the 50th year of the women's basketball poll with the AP rankings serving as a roadmap for fans, players and coaches navigating the sport's ups and downs.

This season opens at a critical moment,

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