FORT WORTH, Texas - After finishing tied for third in conference and barely missing a trip to the national tournament, the Texas Wesleyan women's basketball team was picked to finished third in a preseason poll in the Red River Athletic Conference voted on by conference coaches Thursday morning.

     Texas Wesleyan, who finished last season with a 22-9 record and advanced to the conference semifinals before falling to Langston, 48-46, picked up 112 total votes. Defending-champion Houston Baptist is picked to finish atop of the conference once again, as the Lady Huskies received 144 total votes and all 12 first-place votes.

     "The girls worked really hard last year and this ranking is a testament to that," head coach Stacy Francis said. "Even though we have such a high ranking, there is always room for improvement."

     Texas Wesleyan returns three starters and eight letterwinners from last year's squad that was victorious in nine of its last 10 games last season.

     "Returning three starters from last year's team is a big strength for us this season," Francis said. "Those girls, along with the returning letterwinners, should provide experience and knowledge for our newcomers."

     Texas Wesleyan opens their 2004-05 campaign against Oklahoma Christian on Nov. 9th. The Lady Rams will travel to take on the Lady Eagles at 5:30 p.m. in Edmond, Okla.

2004-05 RRAC Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches Poll

School (First Place Votes) Total Points
1. Houston Baptist University (Texas) (12) 144
2. Langston University (Okla.) 117
3. Texas Wesleyan University 112
4. Texas A&M International University 103
5. Jarvis Christian College (Texas) 90
6. Huston-Tillotson College (Texas) 83
7. University of Texas of the Permian Basin 80
8. Texas College 54
9. Wiley College (Texas) 46
10. Bacone College (Okla.) 44
11. Paul Quinn College (Texas) 38
12. Southwestern Assemblies of God University (Texas) 25