Nov. 21, 2005

BELLINGHAM, Wash. -

UPDATE: The Western women's basketball team, ranked No.14 nationally in both the Women's Basketball Coaches Association and Division II Bulletin preseason ratings, opens its season with five home games, beginning with the WWU/Lynda Goodrich Classic where the Vikings meet Northwest on Friday (5 p.m.) and Grand Canyon on Saturday (5 p.m.).

Western entertains Lewis-Clark State ID on Thurs., Dec. 1, then hosts a Great Northwest Athletic Conference/California Collegiate Athletic Association Challenge Classic, meeting Sonoma State CA on Fri., Dec. 9 and Chico State CA on Sat., Dec. 10. The first day of the tournament will be held at Whatcom CC.

Four starters return from last season's 24-5 team, which placed second in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference at 15-3 and reached the West Regional semifinals of the NCAA Division II National Tournament.

The leading returnee is 6-foot senior forward Tina Donahue, a Division II Bulletin Preseason All-American and projected GNAC Player of the Year. Donahue led the Vikings in scoring at 14.1 points a game last year, and also contributed 6.0 rebounds, earning second-team all-West Region and all-GNAC honors, and honorable mention All-America status from Kodak/WBCA.

Another double-figure scorer returning is 5-11 senior center Courtney Clapp, who averaged 13.0 points and 4.7 rebounds and was outstanding in the post-season, totaling 55 points in two regional games, being named to the West Regional all-tournament team.

Senior point guard Samantha Hubbard, 5-6, has started the last two seasons. A year ago she averaged 4.4 points and posted team-highs of 3.9 assists and 1.8 steals.

Junior forward Krystal Robinson, 6-2, overcame a knee injury from the previous campaign to break into the starting lineup at midseason. She averaged 6.7 points and 3.3 rebounds, and was ranked No.14 nationally in blocked shots (2.5).

In a sense, the Vikings have a fifth starter returning. Senior guard Kelly Dykstra, formerly Colard, sat out last season, but started the first 16 games of 2003-04 before being sidelined by a knee injury. Standing 5-10, she averaged 11.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.4 steals, shooting 47.1 percent from the floor, including 37.7 percent from 3-point range.

UPCOMING GAMES:
Nov. 25 (Fri.)    WWU/LYNDA GOODRICH CLASSIC
                  Saint Martin's vs. Grand Canyon   CARVER GYM   1 p.m.
                  WESTERN vs. Northwest University  CARVER GYM   5 p.m.
Nov. 26 (Sat.)    WWU/LYNDA GOODRICH CLASSIC
                  Saint Martin's vs. Northwest      CARVER GYM   1 p.m.
                  WESTERN vs. Grand Canyon          CARVER GYM	 5 p.m.
Dec. 1 (Thu.)     LEWIS-CLARK STATE COLLEGE         CARVER GYM   7 p.m.
Dec. 9 (Fri.)     GNAC/CCAA CHALLENGE CLASSIC
                  Seattle Pacific vs. Chico State   WHATCOM CC   5 p.m.
                  WESTERN vs. Sonoma State          WHATCOM CC   7 p.m.
Dec. 10 (Sat.)    GNAC/CCAA CHALLENGE CLASSIC
                  Seattle Pacific vs. Sonoma State  CARVER GYM   6 p.m.
                  WESTERN vs. Chico State           CARVER GYM   8 p.m.

But in the midst of that success, there was a sense of unfinished business for the Vikings.

Western, which has never failed to reach the national tournament in seven years as an NCAA II member, is ranked No.14 in both the Women's Basketball Coaches Association and Division II Bulletin Preseason Top 25s. Four starters return from a year ago.

Leading the returnees is 6-foot senior forward Tina Donahue, a Division II Bulletin Preseason All-American and GNAC Player of the Year. Donahue led the Vikings in scoring at 14.1 points a game last year, and also contributed 6.0 rebounds and 86.7 percent free-throw shooting, earning second-team all-West Region and all-GNAC honors, and honorable mention All-America status from Kodak/WBCA.

The other double-figure scorer returning is 5-11 senior center Courtney Clapp, who averaged 13.0 points and 4.7 rebounds and was outstanding in the post-season, totaling 55 points in two regional games, being named to the West Regional all-tournament team.

Senior point guard Samantha Hubbard, 5-6, has started the last two seasons. A year ago she averaged 4.4 points and posted team-highs of 3.9 assists and 1.8 steals.

Junior forward Krystal Robinson, 6-2, overcame a knee injury from the previous campaign to break into the starting lineup at midseason. She averaged 6.7 points and 3.3 rebounds, and was ranked No.14 nationally in blocked shots (2.5).

In a sense, the Vikings have a fifth starter returning. Senior guard Kelly Dykstra, formerly Colard, sat out last season, but started the first 16 games of 2003-04 before being sidelined by a knee injury. Standing 5-10, she averaged 11.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.4 steals, shooting 47.1 percent from the floor, including 37.7 percent from 3-point range.

Another senior is 6-2 center Stephanie Dressel, who averaged 2.5 points and 2.1 rebounds last season.

Also back up front is 5-11 junior forward Arielle White, who contributed 3.4 points and 3.1 rebounds a year ago.

Two sophomores round out the returnees. Forward Liz McCarrell, 5-11, is the top-scoring reserve returning, averaging 4.7 points and 2.3 rebounds as a freshman. Guard Elyse Hartman, 5-8, averaged 1.7 points.

Four newcomers complete the roster, and each took different routes to the Vikings.

Center Willow Cabe, a true freshman, took the most direct path. Another freshman forward, 6-2 Krista Lersch, had scholarship offers when she graduated from high school in 2004, but initially came to Western that fall with no intention of playing basketball. Redshirt freshman forward Claire Pallansch came to the Vikings after a brief time at NCAA Division I Oregon State. Junior guard Mollie Stelmack, is a transfer from NCAA II Franklin Pierce in New Hampshire.

Cabe averaged 21.8 points and 11.7 rebounds in leading Elma to the Class 2A State Tournament, and was the Most Valuable Player of the Class 2A/3A State All-Star Game. Even at 6-1, she can step out and play on the perimeter.

The 6-1 Pallansch transferred to Western last winter, but her practice time was limited by a stress fracture. As a senior at Redmond in 2003-04, she averaged 12.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks.

Stelmack, 5-11, started every game for a 14-14 Franklin Pierce squad last season, receiving second-team all-league honors. She led the team in scoring at 13.6 points a game, with a school-record 76 3-pointers, and also contributed 3.3 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals.

Lersch was a first-team all-Metro League pick as a senior at Blanchet, averaging 12.5 points and 9.6 rebounds, helping the Braves place fifth at Class 3A state tournament.

Western has a schedule that includes seven games against teams that were in the West Regional last season, but the Vikings figure to benefit from opening with five home games and playing just one true away contest prior to 2006.

THREE-DOT NOTES: Western's opener is the latest of any GNAC team ... Robinson had a string of 21 consecutive games with at least one blocked shot last year.

LYNDA GOODRICH CLASSIC: Western has won its last four games and posted a 17-1 record in the LGC, the only loss coming in the final game of the 2002 tourney - 100-80 to North Dakota State.

HOME COURT DOMINANCE: The Vikings finished 12-1 at home last season and are 346-58 (85.6 percent) in 33 years at Carver Gym, winning 86 of their last 95 home games (90.5 percent). They have reached double-digit victories at home in each of the last eight years. Western was 11-2 in 2003-04, 12-2 in 2002-03, 13-1 in 2001-02, 13-1 in 2000-01, 12-0 in 1999-2000, 13-2 in 1998-99 and 10-4 in 1997-98.

COACH DOLFO: Carmen Dolfo is in her 15th year as head coach at Western after taking a sabbatical two seasons ago. She has a 302-110 (73.3 percent) record. Entering this season, Dolfo ranked 15th among active NCAA II coaches in winning percentage and 39th in victories. Dolfo's teams have reached post-season play 14 times and have won 20 or more games 12 times. She was named GNAC Coach of the Year in 2004, Northwest small college Coach of the Year in 2000 and Pacific Northwest Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 1995 and 1996. Dolfo was the top Viking assistant for four seasons (95-28, 77.2) and earned All-America honors as a player at Western.

THE TRADITION CONTINUES: With 733 all-time victories (33rd season), Western is one of just four NCAA Division II schools with over 700 wins and ranks among the Top 15 nationally in all NCAA divisions ... The Vikings have made 26 straight post-season appearances and 32 overall, reaching nationals 15 times, including one semifinal and three quarterfinal finishes ... They also have had 26 20-win seasons ... Western has had 19 winning streaks of 10 or more games with its longest being 19, and its longest losing streak is just four games ... Former Western coach Lynda Goodrich, now the Vikings' director of athletics, is a member of the NAIA National Hall of Fame. She coached Western for 19 seasons, winning more than 400 games (411-124, 76.7 percent). Another Viking NAIA Hall of Famer is forward Jo Metzger (1977-81), who earned first-team All-American honors in 1980 and 1981 ... Western has had 13 first, second or third-team All-Americans.

RADIO BROADCASTS: Western games are being broadcast this season on KBAI Radio (930 AM) with Doug Lange handling the play-by-play, and either Mark Scholten, Jason Stiles or Ervin Kuehbler providing the color commentary. They also can be heard on the internet at www.wwuvikings.com.

ON THE WEB: For up-to-date statistics, box scores of every game, records, stories, etc., see the Western Athletic web page at www.wwuvikings.com. Up-to-date league standings and statistics can be found on the Great Northwest Athletic Conference web page at www.gnacsports.com.

PROBABLE WESTERN STARTERS & TOP RESERVES:
F  Stephanie Dressel, 6-2, ***Sr., Gig Harbor, WA/Gig Harbor
F  Tina Donahue, 6-0, ***Sr., Stanwood, WA/Stanwood
C  Courtney Clapp, 5-11, *Sr., Kirkland,WA/Juanita/Santa Rosa CC
G  Samantha Hubbard, 5-6, ***Sr., Carbonado, WA/White River
G  Kelly (Colard) Dykstra, 5-10, *Sr., Elma, WA/Elma/Whatcom CC

C  Claire Pallansch, 6-1, R-Fr., Redmond, WA/Redmond/Oregon State
G  Liz McCarrell, 5-11, *So., Ferndale, WA/Ferndale
G  Mollie Stelmack, 5-11, TR-Jr., New Westminster, BC/Franklin Pierce NH
G  Elyse Hartman, 5-8, *So., Eagle River, AK/Chugiak)
F  Arielle White, 5-11, *Jr., Kent, WA/Spanaway/Saint Martin's
F  Krystal Robinson, 6-2, **Jr., Kent, WA/Kentridge
*letters

NORTHWEST UNIVERSITY: (2-2, Nov. 22 host Pacific OR). Two starters return from last season's 10-20 Eagles squad that placed eighth (5-13) in the NAIA Cascade Collegiate Conference. Both received honorable mention all-conference honors. Bekah Proctor (6.0 ppg), a 5-6 senior guard, averaged 12.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game and shot 39.8 percent (39-98) from three-point range, and Cassie Snyder (7.5 ppg), a 5-6 sophomore guard, averaged 10.4 points, 4.6 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 2.4 steals. Also back for coach Lori Napier (3rd season, 33-36, 40-53 overall) are 6-0 sophomore center Emilee Eisinger (18.0 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 60.0 FG Pct.) and 5-9 sophomore forward Jennah Priest (2.0 ppg). Leading a talented group of newcomers are two transfers, 5-6 junior guard Jasmine Yeldon (4.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 5.0 apg) from Centralia CC and 5-10 junior guard Kim Sandberg (13.0 ppg, 7.5 rpg) from University of Hawaii. Western leads the series 4-0, winning the last meeting, 75-64 in overtime, in 2003-04.

GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY AZ: (0-3, Nov. 21 host Cal State Monterey Bay, Nov. 25 vs. Saint Martin's at Bellingham). The Antelopes return just four players with significant playing experience from last season's 11-16 team for first-year coach Craig Wiginton. Wiginton spent the last two seasons as an assistant at University of Missouri; the Tigers went to the NCAA I national tournament in 2003-04. The Antelopes' top returnee is 5-11 senior forward Jennifer Cobb, who is bidding to become the school's career scoring leader. Cobb has 883 career points, seven short of the school record set by graduated Kelly McRee, who led NCAA II in 3-point shooting percentage last season. Last season, Cobb averaged 13.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game and shot 40.1 percent (59-147) from 3-point range. She was recently diagnosed with a partially torn PCL and is listed as day-to-day. One other starter returns, 5-6 senior guard Stacie Alvarez (5.3 ppg, 3.3 apg). Also back are 6-1 senior forward Sherlyn Hatch (11.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.3 apg) and 6-2 senior post Stacey Jacobs (3.3 rpg). The Antelopes added a pair of junior college All-Americans from Mesa CC. Brandi Steinke (17.3 ppg, 11.3 rpg, 2.7 bpg), a 6-3 junior post, was a first-team pick and 5-8 junior guard Ashley Prince (9.3 ppg, 3.0 apg) was a third-team selection. Another top newcomer is 6-1 freshman forward Stacy Haddow (11.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.7 apg). Wiginton led NAIA Southern Nazarene OK to a 213-44 record from 1996-2003. During his seven-year tenure, the Crimson Storm had a 122-game home court winning streak, the longest in women's college basketball at any level. His teams made seven final four appearances and won two national championships, and he was named NAIA Coach of the Year in 1997 and 2003. Western has won both previous series meetings.

LEWIS-CLARK STATE COLLEGE ID: (4-0, Nov. 25 at Azusa Pacific, Nov. 26 vs. Westmont at Azusa, CA) The Warriors notched their 14th consecutive 20-win season last year, finishing 22-11 overall and 10-4 in the Frontier Conference. L-C State also made its ninth NAIA National Tournament appearance in the last 10 years, losing 97-80 to Oklahoma City in the first round. Seven key players, including three starters, return for head coach Brian Orr (5th season, 93-43). Ashley Baker (22.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg), a 6-3 junior post, led the Warriors in scoring and rebounding last season, averaging 15.8 points and 9.9 rebounds and shooting a team-best 51.3 percent (216-421) from the floor. Cami Kalbfleisch (7.0 ppg. 4.0 rpg), a 6-0 senior guard/forward, led the Warriors in scoring in 2003-04 (14.6 ppg). Jade Fulbright (13.0 ppg, 4.0 spg), a 5-8 sophomore guard, shot a school-record 87.7 percent (50-57) at the free throw line last year. Four other returnees are 6-2 sophomore forward Vanessa West (8.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg), 5-4 sophomore point guard Katie Hart (5.5 ppg, 6.5 apg), 6-0 junior guard/forward Katja Yancheva (10.0 ppg) and 5-6 junior guard Terri Wittmer (5.5 ppg, 3.5 apg). Three newcomers, including two junior college transfers, bolster the Warriors' lineup. Aundrea Morrison (15.5 ppg, 9.5 rpg), a 6-0 post, led the NWAACC in scoring (21.7) and was a first team conference all-star at Walla Walla CC. Morrison, a McDonald's All-American nominee in high school, was a two-time MVP of the NWAACC's Eastern Division. Janeen Nelson, a 5-6 junior guard, averaged 10.5 points at Eastern Utah JC last season. Kim Preston (8.5 ppg) is a 5-9 freshman guard from Bellingham's Sehome High School where she averaged 16.7 points as a senior. Western leads the series, 28-16, losing 78-76 in their last meeting during the 1998-99 season.

SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY CA: (1-1, Nov. 29 host Domincan, Dec. 2 host Cal Poly Pomona, Dec. 3 host Cal State Dominguez Hills) The Seawolves return seven letter winners, two of them starters, from last season's 12-15 team that finished 11-9 in the CCAA. Jessica Jennings (9.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg), a 5-10 senior guard, received second-team all-CCAA honors, and Nichola Hester (3.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg), a 5-11 junior forward, averaged 8.6 points and 5.3 rebounds. Jessica Jones, a 6-0 senior forward, redshirted last season after receiving second-team all-CCAA honors in 2003-04. Two more top returnees for head coach Mark Rigby (9th year, 129-67), who has led the Seawolves to four NCAA tournament appearances in his first eight seasons, are 5-7 sophomore guard Chelsey Armacost (10.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg) and 6-0 sophomore guard/forward Genny Anderson (6.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg). Western, which defeated Sonoma State 80-69 last season, has never lost in eight series meetings.

CHICO STATE UNIVERSITY CA: (2-0, Nov. 30 host Grand Canyon, Dec. 2 host Cal State Monterey Bay, Dec. 7 host Cal State Stanislaus, Dec. 9 vs. Seattle Pacific at Bellingham). The Wildcats return three starters from last season's 24-6 team that won the CCAA title (16-4) and advanced to the finals of the NCAA II West Regional. Chico State defeated Western 85-75 in the regional semifinals before losing 85-70 to national runner-up Seattle Pacific in the final. The top returnee for head coach Lynne Roberts (4th year, 60-27) is 5-9 senior guard Lauren Himmelspach (17.0 ppg), a second-team All-West Region selection. Last season, Himmelspach paced the high-scoring Wildcats, who averaged 88.6 points per game, averaging 19.8 points while shooting 51.1 percent (218-427) from the field and 42.0 percent (55-131) from 3-point range. Amber Simmons (15.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg), a 5-11 post who was the 2005 CCAA Freshman of the Year, returns as does Haley Ford (14.0 ppg, 5.5 apg, 4.0 rpg), a 5-11 sophomore guard. Simmons was a first-team all-CCAA pick and Ford was named to the second team. Also returning is 5-9 sophomore guard Audriana Spencer (18.0 ppg, 7.0 apg, 5.0 rpg). Chico State added two impact transfers, 5-11 junior center Jennifer Borror (7.5 ppg, 9.5 rpg) from Porterville CC and 5-9 junior forward Niki Simons (13.0 ppg) from Santa Rosa JC. Borror averaged 22.3 points and 12.6 rebounds per game at Porterville CC last season on her way to NorCal JC Player of the Year honors. Simons received second-team all-state accolades. The Wildcats outscored the opposition by 20.0 points per game last season. Western leads the series, 7-3.

GAME SUMMARIES: None