FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 10, 2008

Women's Basketball Ranked 22nd in Preseason Poll

One of Two Central Region Teams Ranked

      Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney women’s basketball team is ranked 22^nd in Division II Bulletin’s preseason Top 25 poll.

     The women’s Division Bulletin, founded in 1993, is the leading publication covering D2 women’s basketball. It is published by GSR Communications bases in Beaverton, Ore. More information is available at www.smallcollegehoops.com.

     UNK, which went 27-7 last year, is one of two Central Region teams in the poll, joining Augustana (No. 17).

     The Central Region, formerly called the North Central, has been a long time powerhouse in Division II women’s basketball. However, several schools have recently moved into Division I, including North Dakota, North Dakota State, South Dakota, South Dakota State and Northern Colorado.

      This five some combined for nine national titles and five national runner up finishes at the Division II level.  

     Defending national champion Northern Kentucky leads this preseason poll with California (Pa.) second and West Texas A & M third. Rounding out the top five are Franklin Pierce (N.H.) and Alaska-Anchorage.

      This year, the Elite Eight will be held in St. Joseph, Mo. UNK held the last two Elite Eights.  

      The Lopers begin practice for the upcoming 2008-09 season next Wednesday. The first game will be an exhibition contest against Nebraska Nov. 5^th in Grand Island. Below is the complete poll.

25. Shepherd (W.V.)