Aug. 19, 2004
A panel that included the eight head coaches in the Mountain West Conference along with media picked UNLV to finish sixth in the eight-team MWC. The panel picked Colorado State, which advanced to the Sweet 16 last season, to repeat as league champion. The Rebels received 40 points in the poll. Colorado State earned 14-of-15 possible first-place votes for 118 points. BYU edged Utah for second place as the Cougars collected 100 points, while the Utes had 97. San Diego was fourth with 65 points, followed by Wyoming, UNLV, New Mexico and Air Force. The preseason All-MWC team was announced as well, and CSU senior Melissa Courtney was tabbed as the preseason Player of the Year. Courtney was the Co-Player of the Year last season as she led the Rams to the MWC regular season and tournament titles while setting an MWC season record with 1,623 assists. Five MWC teams were represented on the 2004 preseason All-MWC Team. A panel that included the eight head coaches in the Mountain West Conference along with media picked UNLV to finish sixth in the eight-team MWC. The panel picked Colorado State, which advanced to the Sweet 16 last season, to repeat as league champion. 2004 MWC Preseason Coaches Poll
Rk. Team(1st votes) Pts. 2003 Finish1. Colorado State (14) 118 1st2. BYU 100 3rd3. Utah (1) 97 2nd4. San Diego State 65 4th5. Wyoming 59 T-5th6. UNLV 40 T-5th7. New Mexico 33 8th8. Air Force 28 T-5th
2004 Preseason All-MWC Team
Player Cl. Pos. TeamKatie Jo Shirley Sr. MB Colorado StateShelly Sommerfeldt Jr. OH UtahLindsy Hartsock So. MB BYUSara Maytorena Sr. Opp. WyomingTess Rogers Jr. OH Colorado StateMelissa Courtney Sr. S Colorado StateAdah Burke Sr. L New Mexico
