CLARION RANKED THIRD IN FIRST EAST REGION POLL

            The Clarion University women’s basketball team is ranked third in the first NCAA Division II East Region poll for the 2004-2005 season that was released Wednesday night.

            The Golden Eagles, who are 14-3 overall and 2-0 in the PSAC-West following an 86-55 win over Lock Haven Wednesday, are behind California, the defending national champions, and Charleston (W. Va.).

            Clarion’s 14-3 record is the best mark for the Golden Eagles through 17 games since the 1993-94 team was also 14-3.

            The Golden Eagles are led by seniors Heather Cigich (16.1 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.1 spg), Shay Godwin (15.3 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 1.4 bpg), Amelia Harris (11.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg) and Tiffany Peacock (8.0 ppg), junior Melba Melton (10.8 ppg, 4.9 apg, 2.1 spg) and freshmen Ashley Grimm (5.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.6 apg, 2.1 spg) and Jessica Albanese (8.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg).

            Clarion returns to action at 6 p.m. Jan. 26 at Slippery Rock.

NCAA DIVISION II EAST REGION RANKINGS

Records through Games Jan. 16

1. California                  13-2

2. Charleston (W.Va.)  13-2

3. Clarion                     13-3

4. Fairmont St.             15-1

5. Edinboro                  13-2

6. W. Va. Wesleyan     8-5

7. Mt. Olives                8-4

8. Anderson (SC)         13-2

9. Wheeling Jesuit         9-3

10. Glenville State         7-5