The Western Athletic Conference basketball coaches have picked the Hawaii Rainbow Wahine to finish third in league play this year. The Wahine received 64 points. UH picked
to finish thirdBy Al Chase
achase@starbulletin.comLouisiana Tech, the defending champion, received nine of the 10 first-place votes. The Lady Techsters were selected to win the conference crown for the second consecutive year.
The Rice Owls received the other first-place vote and were picked to finish second.
"I thought the poll was pretty accurate for the way I voted. You can't vote for your own team," said Hawaii coach Vince Goo. "Rice beat us at home last year and beat Louisiana Tech and they have a lot of returnees so I'm not surprised."
Following Hawaii in the preseason poll were Tulsa, San Jose State, Southern Methodist, Fresno State, Nevada, Texas-El Paso and Boise State.
Louisiana Tech senior center Cheryl Ford was the coaches' choice for preseason player of the year honors.
Hawaii did not have a player named to the preseason first team, but junior guard April Atuaia and senior center Christen Roper were selected for the second team. They are among eight letter winners returning for the Wahine.
UH opens its season Nov. 23 with a first-round match against UCLA in the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort Classic. Tipoff is at 1 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.
Season tickets for the 2002-03 season are on sale. All seats are general admission, with the deadline for renewals and new sales Nov. 16. Individual game tickets go on sale Nov. 18.
Season tickets cost $75 for adults, $60 for senior citizens and $40 for UH students and children under 18.
Individual game tickets cost $7 for adults, $6 for senior citizens and $4 for UH students and children under 18.
Tickets may be purchased at the Stan Sheriff Center box office weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by calling 944-2697 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Defending national champion Connecticut along with nationally ranked Oklahoma, North Carolina and Texas Tech will be here for preseason tournaments.
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