DENVER - The University of Denver women's gymnastics team comes in at No. 16 in the 2016 Preseason Coaches Poll, released Tuesday. The Pioneers earned 1368 points, just one shy of Illinois-Champaign at No. 15.

Oklahoma topped the poll with 2266 points and 29 first-place votes. Behind the Sooners is three-time defending NCAA champion Florida (2234 points, 15 first-place votes) and Alabama (2174 points, 4 first place votes). Denver will compete against No. 1 Oklahoma on February 12 and No. 3 Alabama on February 20, both at neutral sites.

DU opens its first season as an affiliate member of the Big 12 Conference at home on January 9 against No. 24 Southern Utah and conference opponent No. 31 West Virginia. Also on the Pioneers' 2016 schedule are No. 17 Penn State, No. 20 Minnesota, No. 29 Iowa and No. 30 Washington.

Returning to the team in 2016 is two-time All-American Nina McGee (Cincinnati, Ohio), who finished tied for second on floor at the 2015 NCAA National Championships. McGee will be joined by fellow seniors Emily Barrett (Norman, Okla.), Maggie Laughlin (Scottsdale, Ariz.), Katie Menhinick (Paramus, N.J.) and Morgan Tolman (Northridge, Calif.).

Season and single-meet tickets are now on sale for DU's five home meets. Tickets are $9 for each meet, and season tickets are available for $35. For ticket information, visit denverpioneers.com/tickets or call the Ritchie Center Box Office at 303-871-2336.

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