<p><p>From staff reports</p></p><p><p>The Washington State women’s basketball team pulled off a shocking run in 2023, knocking off three ranked teams on its way to the Pac-12 Tournament championship.</p></p><p><p>The Cougars won’t sneak up on anyone this season.</p></p><p><p>With eight players returning from a team that won a program-record 23 games, WSU earned another program first: a ranking in the AP Top 25 preseason poll, released Tuesday.</p></p><p><p>Ranked No. 24, Washington State is led by two All-Pac-12 players – guard Charlisse Leger-Walker and center Bella Murekatete.</p></p><p><p>WSU, which opens the season on Nov. 6 at home against Cal Poly, was picked to finish fifth in the conference by Pac-12 coaches and media.</p></p><p><p>Reigning national champion LSU sits at No. 1 in the poll, followed by UConn and Iowa.</p></p>
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