SEATTLE (Aug. 14) ­ Based upon the preseason NCAA Division II rankings, no volleyball team has a more daunting early-season schedule than Seattle Pacific University.

The Falcons' fare for the first seven matches features three of the top four teams in the nation, according to the CSTV/AVCA preseason coaches poll.

Seattle Pacific earned a ranking for the second year in a row, occupying the No. 20 slot.

SPU opens its season Aug. 23 at No. 3 Cal State San Bernardino, then faces No. 4 UC San Diego the following day and defending NCAA champion and No. 1 Tampa Sept. 1.

The Falcons bring back three starters from their record-setting 24-3 team which won the Great Northwest Athletic Conference crown for the second year in a row.

Western Washington, this year's GNAC preseason favorite, is ranked No. 23. Altogether, seven Pacific Region teams are among the top 25.