BEAVERTON, Ore. - The University of North Dakota begins its final Division II season as the No. 1 pick in the 2007  Women's Division II Bulletin Preseason Top 25 ranking.

The Fighting Sioux (32-4) return three starters from last year's Elite Eight squad. All-conference performers Kierah Kimbrough (15.7 ppg, 8.6 rpg) and Ashley Langen (14.4 ppg, 8.5 rpg) form one of the top frontcourt duos in the country.

"North Dakota has been one of the most successful Division II programs in history," said Gary Rubin, publisher of Women's Division II Bulletin. "We expect another national championship run from the team this season."

Right behind at No. 2 is defending national champion Southern Connecticut, which returns four starters and has a new head coach. All-Americans Kate Lynch (18 ppg) and Shamika Jackson (14 ppg) are a strong scoring combination for the Owls.

Rounding out the top five are Emporia State, West Texas A&M, and Drury.

The second five includes Bentley, Delta State, Washburn, Alaska Anchorage and Shaw. 

Women's Division II Bulletin, founded in 1993, is the leading publication covering Division II women's basketball. It is published by GSR Communications based in Beaverton, Ore.

More information is available at www.smallcollegehoops.com.

Women's Division II Bulletin Preseason Top 25:

1.        North Dakota
2.        Southern Connecticut
3.        Emporia State
4.        West Texas A&M
5.        Drury
6.        Bentley
7.        Delta State
8.        Washburn
9.        Alaska Anchorage
10.        Shaw
11.        Indiana (Pa.)
12.        Clayton State
13.        Valdosta State
14.        UC San Diego
15.        Gannon
16.        Newberry
17.        Florida Tech
18.        Concord
19.        Northern Kentucky
20.        Texas A&M Commerce
21.        USC Aiken
22.        Rollins
23.        California (Pa.)
24.        Grand Valley State
25.        Chico State

(Source Division II Bulletin)