The Xavier women’s basketball team is coming off one of its best seasons in school history - and this one could be even better. Three starters return from a team that posted a 25-7 record, won the Atlantic 10 regular-season title with a 13-1 mark, and matched a school record with a third straight NCAA Tournament berth. XU’s 25 wins also matched a school record. The Musketeers subsequently were awarded a slew of preseason accolades, including a No. 5 national ranking by Slam Magazine. They were picked first in the A-10 preseason coaches’ poll. Coach Kevin McGuff is more focused on daily improvements than preseason polls. There’s a sense of urgency as XU prepares for a rigorous nonconference schedule that poses immediate challenges.