SEATTLE (Aug. 9) ­ If the preseason poll is any indication, Seattle Pacific University faces one of the most difficult non-conference schedules in the program's 20-year existence.

In the first nine matches, the Falcons and new coach Chris Johnson are pitted against four top-20 teams, including Nebraska-Kearney, the No. 1-rated team in the AVCA preseason coaches poll.

Seattle Pacific meets No. 14 Grand Valley State (Mi.) on opening day Aug. 26 in Big Rapids, Mi. It faces No. 17 Ferris State the following day. At home, SPU hosts Nebraska Kearney, an NCAA Division II semifinalist with two All-Americans among five returning starters, Sept. 2 during the Emerald City Classic. The final tuneup prior to Great Northwest Athletic Conference play is Sept. 8 versus No. 20 Chaminade (Hi.).

Central Washington, the defending GNAC champion, is ranked No. 12 and meets the Falcons twice this season.

Seattle Pacific is coming off a 15-11 season and has four returning starters.