Seattle Pacific Women Approach Playoff Games One at a Time
March 9, 2005

SEATTLE (Mar. 9) ­ After advancing to the Elite Eight a year ago, it's understandable that Seattle Pacific University would be aiming high, perhaps as high as a national championship this time around. But the coach of the Falcon women's basketball team is stressing to his troops to take it one step at a time.

Hosting the NCAA Division II West Regional tournament for the third year in a row, Gordy Presnell has guided his team to a 25-2 record, a No. 4 national rankings and a top seed. His squad is stocked with players who have made it to the Sweet Sixteen three consecutive years. Their first test is Friday at 7:30 versus Montana State Billings (21-6).

"We have a number of kids who have played in big games," said Presnell. "I think they have come to approach the tournament for what it is: win and you play again, or lose and you're out. And it can be a marathon."

The Falcons won their third straight Great Northwest Athletic Conference crown, dropping just one game. At home they have won 28 in a row and 63 of the last 64.

Presnell's formula for success has been an up-tempo offense and pressure defense. The key is balanced scoring and lots of depth, which enables to gradually wear down foes.

Amy Taylor (Sr., 5-8, Shoreline, Wa./Shorewood), the GNAC player of the year , is the top scorer (12.6), but on any given night the hero could be any one of the 12 players. All-conference forward Carli Smith (Jr., 5-11, Spokane, Wa./Valley Christian) averages a double-double (10.7 points, 10.1 rebounds). Mandy Wood (Jr., 5-6, Port Angeles, Wa.) is capable of scoring via the three-pointer or drive, and down low SPU has center Brittney Kroon (Jr., 6-4, Wasilla, Ak.), an imposing shot-blocker and improving force on offense.

"This is the closest, most evenly-matched regional we've been involved with," said Presnell. "There are great teams, great players and a lot of diverse styles of play. Some apply pressure and rely on athleticism. Others are big inside, and play catch and shoot."

Two other GNAC teams, Western Washington and Saint Martin's, are among the regional's top four seeds. The first game of the regional Friday at 12:30 features Cal Poly Pomona, last year's regional runner-up, and Chico State. Pomona has the nation's top scorer in Candice Allen (28.3) and Chico is led by Kim Abts, the NCAA assist leader.

"If you're a fan of basketball, there will be some fun players to watch," Presnell said. "It should make for an interesting tournament."

Tickets for the regional are priced $10 for reserved, $7 for general admission ($5 for students and youth), and are good for all games each day. Semifinals are 5 and 7 p.m. Saturday, with the championship game Monday at 7 in Brougham Pavilion.