Attention Grows Nationally For Sizzling Tornadoes - Geneva College
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Attention Grows Nationally For Sizzling Tornadoes

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January 12, 2007

CONTACT: Van Zanic

Sports Information Director

(724) 847-6886

Attention Grows Nationally for Sizzling Tornadoes

"Receive Votes in National Poll for First Time in 10 Years"

Beaver Falls, PA - It was well before Ron Galbreath took over the reigns of Geneva′s women′s basketball program. In fact, Jackie Myers was in just her third season as the head coach of the Golden Tornadoes in 1996-97 when the women′s basketball team last appeared in the NAIA national poll. Geneva went on to a 22-12 record that season, which still stands as the most single season victories in school history.

The most recent version of Geneva′s women′s basketball team may have its sights set on breaking that mark after winning its seventh consecutive game on Thursday night and in doing so moved its overall record to 11-2, including a perfect 4-0 in the AMC North. As a result of its impressive start, Geneva received 33 votes in the NAIA national poll this week and shows up at #31 on the national list.

Sparked by an upset victory over then 25th ranked Notre Dame College, the defending AMC North champions, Geneva has suddenly started to raise some eyebrows across the NAIA women′s basketball scene. Head coach Ron Galbreath, in the midst of a season long seven game winning streak, picked up career victory #600 in that big win against Notre Dame College.

Geneva′s seven-game winning streak is the second longest in school history. Again in the historic 22-12 season of 1996-97, the Golden Tornadoes ran off eight straight victories. The second victory of that eight-game streak came at the expense of Daemen College. Ironically, it will be against Daemen College next Tuesday that Geneva will try and match the record for consecutive victories. Daemen, which is currently tied with Geneva for the top spot in the AMC North at 4-0 and has won the divisional title in two of the last three years is ranked #22 in this week′s national poll.

Indiana Wesleyan, which is a perfect 19-0 on the season and the only team ahead of Geneva in total team defense, received all 16 first-place votes to remain the number one ranked team in the country. In addition to Daemen, Cedarville (5th), Notre Dame (34th) and Ohio Dominican (40th) also received votes in this week′s poll.

Following its showdown at Daemen College on Tuesday night, Geneva will return home next weekend for AMC North games against Houghton on Friday and Roberts Wesleyan on Saturday.

Jan 12, 2007