Sept. 8, 2009

LAS VEGAS - UNLV women's golf was ranked No. 18 in Golfweek's preseason poll, the fourth time in program history that the Rebels have been ranked in the top 20 heading into a season.

UNLV's ranking is also the third highest in a preseason poll for the program, as the Rebels were ranked No. 14 to begin the 2005 season and No. 16 heading into the 2006 campaign.

The Rebels are heading into their eighth season under head coach Missy Ringler, and she returns one of the most talented teams she has had during her tenure. All five members of last year's starting lineup return, and the team starts its season Sunday at the Golfweek Conference Challenge, which will be played at the Primm Valley Golf Club.

"I am so excited to see the preseason ranking of 18 for our team," Ringler said. "We knew coming into this season that we were going to be a very strong team again with everyone one of our starters returning, along with adding a talented freshman in Ellis Keenan. We are excited to start the season this weekend at Primm and are looking to get off to a great start."

Rebel junior Therese Koelbaek was also named one of Golfweek's Top-50 Players To Watch, as the two-time honorable mention All-American enters her third season with the program.

Already one of the top golfers in program history, Koelbaek put together a strong sophomore season that saw her post six top-10 finishes while her scoring average of 73.24 was second in the Mountain West Conference. During her rookie season she won two events, including sharing medalist honors at the 2008 NCAA West Regional, and she was named the MWC Freshman of the Year.