In the earliest days of the women's basketball season, Stanford has been chosen by both the Media and Coaches' Polls to win the Pacific-10 Conference for the seventh consecutive year. Another conference title, though, will not come without a challenge. With six teams qualifying for the NCAA Tournament last year, the Pac-10 proved its depth and strength as a top conference. This high level of play is expected to continue throughout the 2006-2007 season, and all of the competitive programs will be looking to knock off the Cardinal.

Stanford

2005-2006 Record: 26-8, 15-3

With the return of one of the country's top duos in two-time All-Pac-10 selection Brooke Smith and two-time Pac-10 Player of the Year Candice Wiggins, No. 4 Stanford has the experience and talent to distinguish itself once again as a national force. The Cardinal, who return four of their five starters, will also look for contributions from a strong freshman class.

However, during the regular season Stanford will be meet seven teams named to ESPN/USA Today's Top 25, including five Pac-10 rivals, No. 9 Georgia, and No. 5 Tennessee.

Media: No. 1, Coaches': No. 1

Preseason All-Pac-10 Player(s): Brooke Smith, Candice Wiggins

Arizona State

2005-2006 Record: 25-7, 14-4

Last season, the Sun Devils finished right on the heels of the Cardinal. Led by a trio of seniors in two-time All-Pac-10 Emily Westerberg, Aubree Johnson and Jill Noe, No. 12 Arizona State is looking to build on its trip to the Round of 32 in the 2006 NCAA Tournament. This will be made possible with help the Sun Devils' increasingly formidable backcourt, which includes sophomores Briann January and Danielle Orsillo and standout freshman Dymond Simon.

Media Poll: No. 2, Coaches': No. 2

Preseason All-Pac-10 Player(s): Emily Westerberg

USC

2005-2006 Record: 19-12, 11-7

Versatile senior guard Shay Murphy, who ranked in the conference's top ten in six categories after the 2005-06 season, will again anchor the Trojans'

backcourt. However, No. 22 USC returns all but one player, and will not rely too heavily on Murphy. Senior centers Chloe Kerr and Markisha Lea will team up with sophomore Nadia Parker to create a dominant post combination.

Media Poll: No. 3, Coaches': No. 3

Preseason All-Pac-10 Player(s): Shay Murphy

California

2005-2006 Record: 18-12, 10-8

No. 21 California finished sixth in the Pac-10 in 2005-06. But, with a year of experience behind them, the Bears' sophomores, who combined to average

44.5 points per game last year, will return to lead the team offensively.

Cal's defensive efforts will likely play a large role in the team's success, as the Bears had the conference's second-leading scoring defense, and ranked in the top five for the Pac-10 in three other defensive categories.

Media Poll: No. 4, Coaches': No. 4

Washington

2005-2006 Record: 19-11, 11-7

Rounding out national polls, No. 25 Washington will enter the 2006-07 season under the leadership of senior guard Cameo Hicks. Hicks, named to last year's All-Pac-10 team, led the Huskies in scoring, rebounding, three-point field goal percentage, free-throws made, field-goals made, and field-goals attempted. However, Hicks will find support in the post from Washington's five returning forwards, Jill Bell, Breanne Watson, Maggie O'Hara, Andrea Plouffe, and Heidi McNeill, as the mature squad tries to improve upon its trip to the NCAA Tournament's second round.

Media Poll: No. 5, Coaches': No. 5

UCLA

2005-2006 Record: 21-11, 12-6

After upsetting Stanford to win the Pac-10 Tournament in 2006, No. 23 UCLA is looking for another big season. Senior guard Noelle Quinn is the only remaining member of the dominant "Triple Threat" from 2004-05, but the Bruins will easily continue their transition from the guard-heavy lineup. Forwards Lindsey Pluimer, Amanda Livingston, Julia Pitts and center Chinyere Ibekwe will add an inside game to Quinn's long-range ability, keeping UCLA in conference contention.

Media Poll: No. 6, Coaches': No. 6

Preseason All-Pac-10 Player(s): Noelle Quinn

Arizona

2005-2006 Record: 8-22, 3-15

Arizona is looking to rebuild this season after struggling last year due to injuries and the tragic death of senior center Shawntinice Polk. With the return of Linda Pace, Che Oh, Amina Njonkou and Shannon Hobson, the Wildcats are again healthy, and will look to senior guard Joy Hollingsworth to lead the way. Hollingsworth, who led the team in scoring and rebounding, will be a threat from behind the arc, while the post will be bolstered by the addition of two sets of twins, centers Suzy and Beatrice Bofia, and forwards Rheya and Rhaya Neabors.

Media Poll: No. 7, Coaches': No. 7

Oregon

2005-2006 Record: 14-15, 5-13

Although Oregon's defense set a Pac-10 record for fewest points allowed in a season in 2005-06, the Ducks fell to below .500 for the third time in 13 seasons. Oregon will focus on defense again this year, but offensive efforts will be headed by the team's second-leading scorer, senior forward Eleanor Haring. However, the Ducks return few other experienced players, as seniors Carolyn Ganes and Cicely Oaks combined for only 13 starts last year.

The Ducks will be forced to rely on possible contributions from junior Kaela Chapdelaine and their freshman class.

Media Poll: No. 8, Coaches': No. 8

Oregon State

2005-2006 Record: 16-15, 7-11

Second-year coach LaVonda Wagner completed her "freshman" season with the Beavers with more than double the number of wins Oregon State had seen in the 2004-05. However, this year her squad will be dominated by fresh faces, including six freshmen and transfer Ashley Allen. With only two seniors, guards Casey Nash and Ebony Young, Wagner will turn to young talent with hopes of Pac-10 success.

Media Poll: No. 9, Coaches': No. 10

Washington State

2005-2006 Record: 8-20, 2-16

Senior forward Kate Benz will likely carry Washington State defensively as she tries to defend her two-year dominance as the Pac-10's leading rebounder. Fellow senior Adriane Ferguson will return as a guard after spending much of last season sidelined by a broken finger. Ofensively, Washington State will look to long-range shooters in sophomore guards Amanda DuRocher and Katie Appleton in hopes of improving the Cougar's last-place finish in the Pac-10 for 2005-06.

Media Poll: No. 10, Coaches': No. 9