KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Following the best start to a season in program history, the Eastern Oregon University women's basketball team climbed to No. 17 in the latest NAIA Coaches Top 25 Poll, released Wednesday morning.

The Mountaineers continue to make their mark both nationally and within the Cascade Collegiate Conference. EOU sits alone atop the CCC standings with a 7–1 conference record and checks in 10th nationally with an impressive 15–1 overall mark.

Eastern Oregon is coming off a competitive 1–1 weekend, highlighted by a hard-fought upset victory over No. 20 Oregon Tech, before falling against (RV) Southern Oregon. The Mountaineers have already proven their ability to compete with elite programs this season, recording wins over No. 10, No. 18, and No. 20-ranked opponents.

This historic start has been fueled by a deep and balanced roster, led by standout senior Kelsie Siegner. Siegner paces the team with 224 total points, averaging 14 points per game, while also contributing 145 rebounds, 27 steals, and 26 blocks. She currently ranks second in the CCC in rebounds per game and fourth in blocks, anchoring both ends of the floor. Fellow Mountaineer Kaiea Waiwaiole ranks third in the conference in field-goal percentage, adding to Eastern's offensive efficiency.

As a team, Eastern Oregon ranks second in the CCC with 112 made three-pointers and is shooting 65% from the charity stripe, while averaging 72.0 points per game as a unit. Defensively, the Mountaineers continue to apply pressure, averaging 41.9 rebounds and holding opponents to a 36.4% shooting. 

Fellow Cascade Collegiate Conference members also appearing in the rankings include Lewis-Clark State, which moved up two spots to No. 13, and Corban University, which slid two positions to No. 20. Southern Oregon and College of Idaho also received votes in this week's poll.

Eastern Oregon will look to build on its momentum as it returns home this weekend to host conference opponents Corban University and Bushnell University. The Mountaineers take on the Warriors on Friday at 5:30 p.m., before welcoming the Beacons on Saturday at 3 p.m. in Quinn Coliseum.