Seattle Pacific University Women's Basketball 2002-03 Tentative Schedule

SEATTLE (Aug. 29) -- With its strongest returning cast since the run to the 1998 Elite Eight, the Seattle Pacific University women's basketball team will test itself against some of the stiffest nonconfernce opposition in NCAA Division II this upcoming season.

The Falcons' 2002-03 schedule has been finalized and begins with a Nov. 22 opener against five-time national champion North Dakota State. Later, they face two-time defending NCAA Division II champion Cal Poly Pomona. Both contests are part of tournaments in Bellingham.

In addition, SPU will host a tournament for the first time in four years on Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 29-30, which includes the home opener versus Westmont.

Great Northwest Athletic Conference play begins Dec. 5 at Humboldt State and concludes Mar. 8 at home against the same Lumberjacks. The most anticipated of the 12 home dates is Feb. 22 when defending GNAC champion Western Washington arrives in Brougham Pavilion.

Coach Gordy Presnell has all five starters back from the squad which made the playoffs for the sixth year in a row in 2002.