SEATTLE (May 15) - Tara Jacob, a key player from perennial prep powerhouse Meadowdale High School in Lynnwood, has signed a national letter of intent to play basketball for Seattle Pacific University next season.

Jacob, a 6-foot senior, returned from knee surgery last season and averaged 7.6 points and over six rebounds as the Lady Mavericks went 26-1 and finished fourth in the state 3A tournament. Meadowdale won the state title in 2000, was fourth in '01 and fifth in '02.

Jacob joins forward Rachel Strand (King's) and guard Beth Christensen (Enumclaw) in Gordy Presnell's recruiting class. Seattle Pacific lost four seniors, including three starters, to graduation.

The Falcons, who were 29-1, won the Great Northwest Athletic Conference and advanced to the NCAA Division II West Regional championship game.