By MICHAEL COIT
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

A challenging season awaits the Sonoma State women’s basketball team.

Sonoma State was No. 11 in the 12-team California Collegiate Athletic Association coaches’ poll for the 2013-14 season.

Defending conference champion Chico State topped the poll and is ranked No. 17 in the nation’s top 25 for NCAA Division II women’s basketball. Following Chico State in the CCAA poll were Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State Los Angeles.

Sonoma State is coming off a campaign that left the Seawolves 9-17 overall and 7-15 in the CCAA.

The season opens for Sonoma State on Friday with an exhibition at Santa Clara University. Sonoma State opens regular season play when it hosts the Elsie Darling Classic, starting on Friday, Nov. 22. The Seawolves play the University of Tampa that day at 3 p.m.

The 2014 CCAA Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament will feature a new six-team format. It’s will take place at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, from March 6-8.