The Falcons Online -- Seattle Pacific University Athletics

Falcon Women Ranked 24th in Basketball Preseason Poll
October 31, 2006

SEATTLE (Oct. 31) Despite losing four starters, Seattle Pacific University will start the women's basketball season among the nation's top 25 teams.

The Falcons are No. 24 in the WBCA coaches poll after finishing runner-up in the West Region and 24-6 a year ago.

Second-year coach Julie van Beek's schedule features four other nationally-ranked teams, including No. 2 North Dakota, which visits Brougham Pavilion Dec. 30. SPU plays No. 5 Chico State Dec. 9 and No. 21 UC San Diego Dec. 19 on neutral courts. Western Washington is No. 16.

The Falcons open the regular season Nov. 17-18 by hosting the Sodexho Tip-Off Classic.

USA TODAY ESPN DIVISION II TOP 25 COACHES' PRESEASON POLL

Rank, Institution	Points
1. Grand Valley State Univ. (Mich.) - 17	656
2. University of North Dakota - 7	613
3. Emporia State University (Kan.) -1	577
4. Saint Cloud State University (Minn.)	558
5. California State University, Chico	493
6. Washburn University (Kan.)	468
7. Henderson State University (Ark.)	438
8. Glenville State College (W. Va.)	402
9. American International College (Mass.)	387
10. Drury University (Mo.)	369
11. West Texas A&M University	356
12. Southern Connecticut State University	347
13. Delta State University (Miss.) - 1	339
14. University Of Charleston (W. Va.)	313
15. Northern Kentucky University	273
16. Western Washington University	267
17. Wingate University (N.C.)	263
18. Shaw University (N.C.) - 1	250
19. Florida Gulf Coast University	176
20. Rollins College (Fla.)	168
21. University Of California-San Diego	113
22. Fort Valley State University (Ga.)	112
23. Regis University (Colo.)	104
24. Seattle Pacific University (Wash.)	102
25. California University Of Pennsylvania	86