PORT ANGELES — The NWAC basketball season tips off in just 10 days for the Peninsula Pirates women’s team.

The preseason coaches poll is out, and the Pirates are ranked third, which might raise a few eyebrows given all the talent they lost from last year’s squad.

Peninsula finished 24-3 last season, falling to Lane College in the Final Four. Over the past two years, the Pirates are 28-0 in North Division play and 46-6 overall.

So why the high ranking after losing four starters? One reason is 6-foot-3 post Alecsis Smith, who averaged 15 points and 8 rebounds per game in limited minutes due to injury — still dominating when she was on the floor.

6’3″ post Alecsis Smith is expected to be a preseason All-NWAC selection for the Peninsula Pirates.

Ryana Moss, the 5-foot-6 sophomore guard fr

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