CCC RELEASE

LA GRANDE -- Southern Oregon was one of four teams to receive first-place votes as the Cascade Collegiate Conference coaches picked the Raiders to finish fourth in the preseason conference poll released Monday.

The Raiders picked up two first-place votes and totaled 73 points, behind defending champion Oregon Tech (91 points), Eastern Oregon (80) and Warner Pacific (79). The Owls took four first-place votes, with each of the next three teams receiving two apiece.

Southern Oregon returns three starters from last season's 17-13 team, including NAIA All-American Eric Thompson (Roseburg, Ore./Roseburg). Head Coach Brian McDermott opens his 17th season with nine new recruits, highlighted by a pair of international players from Australia in Joel Spear (Adelaide, Australia/St. Michaels) and Jordan West (Gymea Bay, Australia/Port Hacking).

The Raiders host their annual alumni game on Saturday at Bob Riehm Arena. A pair of alumni teams will play at 12 p.m., followed by the contest between the alumni and the 2012-13 team at 2 p.m. Southern Oregon officially opens the season Nov. 2 on the road against Pacific Union.