OGDEN, Utah - The Big Sky Conference office today announced the 2008-09 women's basketball preseason polls and Northern Colorado was chosen by both the head coaches and the media to finish in fourth place.

After posting the 11^th best turnaround in Division I basketball between 2006-07 and 2007-08, the Bears are primed to make another run in 2008-09. Head Coach Jaime White returns four starters and seven letterwinners of last year's squad that went 14-16 and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Big Sky Tournament in their first year of postseason eligibility.

Montana was chosen to win the Big Sky Conference by both groups, while Portland State and Montana State were picked second and third, respectively. Behind the Bears, Northern Arizona was chosen fifth, Idaho State was picked sixth by the media and seventh by the coaches, while Weber State was the opposite. Eastern Washington and Sacramento State round out the polls, respectively in eighth and ninth place.

The Big Sky Women's Basketball Tournament is slated for March 12-14 and will be hosted by the regular-season champion.

Last year, the Bears were picked to finish last by both the coaches and media and entered the Big Sky Tournament as the fifth-seed, posting an 8-8 mark against league opponents. The Bears look to improve upon that mark with a full roster and a strong slated schedule.

The Bears open the exhibition season on Nov. 1 against Regis at 2:00 p.m. while the regular season opener occurs on Oct. 14 at Air Force at 7:00 p.m.

Coaches Poll

Team Points

1. Montana 64 (8)

2. Portland State 56 (1)

3. Montana State 50

4. Northern Colorado 41

5. Northern Arizona 35

6. Weber State 30

7. Idaho State 19

8. Sacramento State 18

9. Eastern Washington 11

Media Poll

Team Points

1. Montana 214 (22)

2. Portland State 192 (2)

3. Montana State 164

4. Northern Colorado 144

5. Northern Arizona 88

6. Idaho State 86

7. Weber State 80

8. Sacramento State 72

9. Eastern Washington 32