Oct. 18, 1999

NKU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL RANKED 5TH IN NATION

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - The Northern Kentucky University women’s basketball team is ranked No. 5 nationally in the Division II Bulletin preseason poll.

NKU, which finished 30-3 last season and advanced to the NCAA Division II Final Four, is also the preseason favorite to win the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The Norse return three starters, including sophomore forward Michelle Cottrell (18.1 points per game) and junior guard Michele Tuchfarber (14.6 ppg), in 1999-2000.

Defending national champion North Dakota is the preseason No. 1 team, followed by Bentley (Mass.), North Dakota State, College of St. Rose and NKU.

Here is a look at the Top 10 poll:

1. North Dakota

2. Bentley (Mass.)

3. North Dakota State

4. College of Saint Rose

5. NKU

6. UC Davis

7. Francis Marion

8. Delta State

9. Michigan Tech

10. West Texas A&M