Oct. 30, 2008

DEKALB, Ill.-The Northern Illinois University women's basketball team was picked to finish second in the Mid-American Conference West Division by league coaches and MAC News Media Association the MAC announced today.

The Huskies finished fourth in the division last season with an overall record of 10-18 and 6-8 mark in conference play. The Huskies return nine letterwinners from last season's team, including junior Kylie York (Fishers, Ind./Hamilton Southeastern) and senior Jessie Wilcox (Oshkosh, Wis./West). York led the Huskies in scoring last season, averaging 10.9 points a game, while Wilcox also averaged in double figures scoring 10.3 points a contest.

"I don't put that much time thinking about preseason polls," NIU head coach Carol Owens said. "All that matters is where we finish. We are focused on getting better as a team."

NIU tips off its 2008-09 campaign Monday, Nov. 10 when the Huskies play host to St. Xavier at 7 p.m. at the Convocation Center in the Huskies' lone exhibition game. The regular season begins Friday, Nov. 14 when Northern Illinois welcomes IUPUI to the Convocation Center. A season ticket package for both the men's and women's basketball teams is available for $135 at www.niuhuskies.com or by calling the Athletics Ticket Office at 815-752-6800.