NIU, for the first time, made the Associated Press women’s basketball rankings Monday, just when Coach Jane Albright was wondering what her team would have to do to get in.

“It’s been kind of frustrating because we’ve been so close in recent weeks, but every time we’d think it would be our turn, someone else on the outside would get a big win and move ahead,” Albright said.

“I thought we might have a good chance after our win at DePaul last week because a lot of people know what a tough place Alumni Hall is.”

NIU (14-2) did not make the rankings with much to spare, latching on to the 24th spot in a 25-team poll.

Still, it was a place in the rankings.

“The kids will be really happy about this,” said Albright. “They’ve been quiet about the rankings the last couple of weeks, but I know they’ve been watching the papers. They’ve worked hard for this.”