The Association of Independent Institutions has released it's 2009 pre-season women's basketball conference ratings. The IU Northwest Lady RedHawks will be ranked No. 2 overall in the A.I.I. to start the season behind Philander Smith College (AR).

The RedHawks were defeated by Philander Smith in the consolation round of the 2009 USCAA National Tournament, it was the first and only meeting between the two schools. Ohio Dominican who has made back to back NAIA National Tournament Appearances will begin the season as the No. 3 overall team. The complete pre-season rankings were as follows:

1. Philander Smith
2. IU Northwest
3. Ohio Dominican
4. Johnson & Wales
5. Walla Walla
6. Marygrove
7. Southwestern
8. Fisk

The Inaugural A.I.I. Post-Season Women's Basketball Tournament will be played Feb. 26-27, 2010 at IU Northwest. The tournament champion will receive an automatic bid to the 2010 NAIA National Tournament March 10-16 in Sioux City, IA. The Lady RedHawks will play an intrasquad Red/White scrimmage on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 7pm all RedHawks fans are encouraged to attend. The 2009-10 season officially tips off at home vs. Grace College. on Tuesday, November 3 at 7pm at the Savannah Center.