Oct. 8, 2003

ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' women's basketball team was named to the Women's Basketball Coaches Association Academic top 25 for the ninth straight year.

The Cowgirls come in at No. 12 this year with a 3.412 team grade point average. The Cowgirls have finished everywhere from second to 18th in the last eight rankings.

Hardin-Simmons was the highest ranked team that advanced to at least the Sweet 16. Whitworth College was the top team with a 3.573 team GPA.

The Cowgirls will begin practice Oct. 15 and must replace three starters and five seniors from a 27-1 team.