SEATTLE (Nov. 1) ­ Although no longer the favorite, Seattle Pacific University is picked to be among the top contenders for the Great Northwest Athletic Conference women's basketball title, according to the preseason coaches poll.

The Falcons have been the favorites each of the last five seasons, yet this time around Western Washington got the nod. The defending champion Vikings got six of nine first-place votes. Central Washington earned two and SPU one.

SPU is No. 24 in the WBCA coaches poll after finishing runner-up in the West Region and 24-6 a year ago. Western Washington is 16th.

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