Official NWC Release

HILLSBORO, Ore. — The Pacific Lutheran University women's basketball team aims to buck expectations this winter after getting picked ninth in the annual Northwest Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll released on Thursday afternoon.

The Lutes (8-17, 5-11 NWC in 2024-2025) garnered 11 points in the poll, placing ninth and finishing six points shy of eighth ranked Lewis & Clark College (17 points). 

Linfield University was tabbed as the preseason favorite with 60 total points and six of the nine first place endorsements and was one of three teams earning first place votes. University of Puget Sound is ranked second with 56 points and two first place votes while George Fox University sits third with 51 points and the remaining first place vote.

Whitman College is fourth with 43 points followed by Willamette University in fifth with 36 points. Pacific University and Whitworth University are tied for sixth, both accumulating 25 points.

The Lutes open up the season on Nov. 7 in southern California, facing Whittier College in the first of three games over a four-day stretch. PLU begins league play on Jan. 2, hosting George Fox University inside Olson Gymnasium.