IRVINE, Calif. – With the season fast approaching, the Concordia University Irvine women's basketball team has been projected to finish in the top three of the PacWest Conference.

The annual PacWest Preseason Poll voted on by the league's head coaches feature Azusa Pacific as the favorite with Dominican and Concordia garnering the most votes after the Cougars.

Returners Jasmine Rachal and Katie Timmerman for the Golden Eagles were also both named to the PacWest Preseason Team. CUI is one of just two programs with multiple players earning preseason accolades along with Azusa Pacific.

Rachal was a Second Team All-Conference selection a year ago and averaged 16.3 ppg, 3.7 apg, 2.9 rpg & 1.5 steals on the court. She also shot 40 percent on three-pointers, 44 percent on field goals and scored in double figures in 24 of 27 starts last season. The Brea Olinda High School alum became the second CUI women's basketball player ever to join the 1,000 point club in the NCAA DII era.

Timmerman was Third Team All-Conference last season and averaged 12.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg & 1.9 apg. She shot an astounding 95.8 percent on free throws, 41 % on 3FG and 43% on field goals; Scored in double figures in 17 of 25 games last season. Holds school record for career average minutes played (34.6 per game) and best career free throw percentage (86%).

CLICK HERE for the full PacWest women's basketball preseason poll

CUI opens its regular season campaign at home on Friday, Nov. 11 against Cal State Los Angeles at 11 a.m.

CLICK HERE for the CUI women's basketball schedule