University of Central Oklahoma Athletics

UCO Ranked 11th

10/13/2009 8:20:39 AM

Guy Hardaker

BEAVERTON, Ore. (Oct. 13) – Reigning Lone Star Conference North Division champion Central Oklahoma has pulled down the No. 11 spot in the Division II Bulletin preseason women's basketball poll.

The Bronchos of fourth-year head coach Guy Hardaker have three starters and five other letterwinners back from last year's team that won a school-record 27 games (27-6) and advanced to the Sweet 16 in the national tournament.

Michigan Tech topped the Division II Bulletin rankings, followed by Franklin Pierce, Delta State, Indianapolis and California (Pa.). UCO is the highest-rated Lone Star Conference team in the poll, with West Texas A&M No. 15.

The Bronchos, who have won 51 games the past two years, are paced by returning starters Ashley Beckley, Rose Anderson and Cristina Yarbrough.

Beckley averaged 11.7 points and 4.7 rebounds a game last year as a second-team All-LSC North selection, while Anderson (9.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg) was named LSC North Newcomer of the Year and Yarbrough (9.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 78 steals) was selected LSC North Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.

UCO begins preseason practice Thursday and will play an exhibition game at Oklahoma City on Nov. 10 before opening the season Nov. 15 at Pittsburg State. The Bronchos play their first 10 games on the road, not making their home debut until Jan. 5.

Division II Bulletin Preseason Poll
1. Michigan Tech
2. Franklin Pierce
3. Delta State
4. Indianapolis
5. California (Pa.)
6. Stonehill
7. Emporia State
8. Fort Lewis
9. Holy Family
10. UC San Diego
11. Central Oklahoma
12. Minnesota State-Mankato
13. Grand Valley State
14. Alaska-Anchorage
15. West Texas A&M
16. Clayton State
17. Tampa
18. Northern Kentucky
19. Indiana (Pa.)
20. Philadelphia
21. Gannon
22. Lenoir-Rhyne
23. West Liberty State
24. Seattle Pacific
25. Columbus State

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