SEATTLE (Oct. 13) ­ Seattle Pacific University has been ranked No. 10 in the NCAA Division II preseason women's basketball rankings by the Division II Bulletin.

The Falcons, who were 30-3 and national runners-up last season, feature four returning starters and a new head coach, Julie van Beek. They open practice Saturday, with an exhibition game Nov. 12 at Gonzaga. The opening regular season game is Nov. 15 against Northwest at home.

Drury (Mo.) is the No. 1 team in the preseason poll, followed by defending NCAA champion Washburn (Ks.) and Charleston (WV). Chico State, which fell to SPU in the West Region championship game, is No. 8.

Division II Bulletin Preseason Poll
1. Drury (Mo.)
2. Washburn (Ks.)
3. Charleston (WV)
4. North Dakota
5. Henderson State (Ar.)
6. Merrimack (Ma.)
7. Grand Valley State (Mi.)
8. Chico State (Ca.)
9. St. Cloud State (Mn.)
10. Seattle Pacific