(Posted October 29, 2004)

Huntingdon, Pa. - The Juniata College men's and women's basketball teams have been picked to finish seventh and eighth respectively in the conference preseason polls which are selected by the eight conference head coaches.

The men's basketball team earned 14 votes good for a seventh-place finish. Widener was chosen as the slight favorite in the conference with 45 points, and Albright and Elizabethtown were slightly behind with 41 points each. Widener earned three first-place votes, with Albright and Elizabethtown each claiming two first-place votes. Fourth-place Lebanon Valley was picked first on one ballot.

The Eagle women's basketball team earned 10 points in the polls, placing them eighth. For the third straight year, Lebanon Valley is the conference favorite finishing with 47 points and five first-place votes. Messiah holds down the second spot with 42 points and earned the remaining three first-place votes.

The Eagle men's basketball team finished with a 13-12 record in 2004 and finished 6-8 in the conference. It was the second-consecutive winning season for the Eagle men, marking the first time since 1987-88 and 1988-89 seasons the Eagles have finished above .500 in consecutive seasons. The Eagles lost five players to graduation, but return a strong group of experienced players.

Juniata's women's basketball program is looking to better their season from last years 5-19 season. Juniata finished 2-10 in the conference season. The team lost three of its starters to graduation, but top scorer, Kristen Kirk (Newport/Newport) will be returning to help lead the team. The Eagles have 10 freshmen on the 2004-05 roster who are prepared to help Juniata contend within the conference.

Both teams will open their seasons with tournaments beginning November 20.

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Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.