UC Women's Basketball Climbs to #1 in the East Region
February 3, 2005

For the first time this season, defending national champion U-Cal (PA) relinquished their #1 East Region ranking following losses to Clarion and University of Pittsburgh- Johnstown on the week.  With three other top ten teams in the East Region being ranked in the USA Today/ESPN/WBCA Division II Top 25 Coaches' Poll released on Feb. 1,  the only question was who would be the new #1. 

According to the latest NCAA Division II Regional Rankings released on Feb. 2, the University of Charleston jumped four spots from last week's poll to #1.  The Golden Eagles, who are currently ranked #14 in the nation, demoralized Clarion 89-54 on Nov. 28.  This victory was instrumental in UC's climb to #1, as well as convincing victories over regional opponents Belmont Abbey and Glenville State.

UC is currently 19-2 overall and touts an impressive 12-0 West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference record.  Sherry Winn's squad appears to be well on their way to garnering the WVIAC Regular Season Championship.  With hopes of possibly hosting the NCAA Division II East Region Tournament, UC is in excellent position at this point in the season to make that dream a reality.

UC's biggest hurdle to maintaining their #1 ranking in the region is WVIAC foe Fairmont State, who despite being ranked #8 nationally is only third in the region.  The Golden Eagles will travel to Fairmont on Feb. 10.  Both teams are currently undefeated in the WVIAC, but only one will remain after this highly anticipated showdown between two WVIAC powers ranked amongst the nation's finest.