Oct. 24, 2004
DENVER - For the first time in program history, the Lady Rebels were picked to win the Mountain West Conference as they were picked to finish first in the 2004-05 preseason women's basketball poll, which was voted on by the league's eight head coaches and select women's basketball media and announced at the league's media day on Sunday.
It was the closest vote in conference history as UNLV received the most total points (134) but not the most first-place votes (5). New Mexico had eight first-place votes but finished tied for second with Utah with 131 points. Utah tallied seven first place votes. Coaches did not vote for their own team. Colorado State (92 points) placed fourth, followed by BYU (88 points), Wyoming (65 points), San Diego State (43 points) and Air Force (28 points).
UNLV senior forwards RanDee Henry and Sherry McCracklin, both All-MWC First Team selections in 2003-04, were two of five players named to the preseason all-conference team. Joining them on the team was Utah junior forward Kim Smith, who was also named Top Returning Player honors, Wyoming's Ashley Elliott, and New Mexico's Mandi Moore.
The Lady Rebels finished the 2003-04 season with a 26-8 record and a third-place mark in the MWC at 10-4. They also advanced to the championship game of the WNIT before falling to Creighton. Four starters return for the Lady Rebels, including three of the top five scorers in the MWC last season and the top two rebounders. In all, 13 of 15 players return for UNLV as the Lady Rebels look to claim its first-ever MWC title this season.
UNLV plays its lone exhibition game of the season on Nov. 5, as they take on the West Coast All-Stars in a doubleheader with the Runnin' Rebels at the Thomas & Mack, starting at 5 pm. A trip to the WBCA/BTI classic and a matchup with 2004 Final Four participant Minnesota in Seattle awaits the Lady Rebels in their season opener, while their home opener comes against Central Florida on Nov. 19 at 7 pm in the Cox Pavilion.
Tickets for the 2004-05 season are on sale now and may be purchased by calling (702) 739-FANS, online at UNLVtickets.com and at any UNLVtickets outlet.
