St. LOUIS – The UNI women's soccer team was selected t5 in the annual preseason coaches' poll, receiving 38 total points.
The Loyola Ramblers have received 80 points and 8 first place votes to stand atop the preseason poll. Illinois State was selected second with 70 total points followed by Indiana State with 59 and Valparaiso with 51 and 1 first place vote. The Panthers tied with Missouri State for fifth with 38 points followed by Drake with 31, Evansville and 21 and Southern Illinois with 12 points.
Three Panthers have earned preseason honorable mention all-conference honors in goalkeeper Caitlin Richards, defender Sandra Thiman and forward Lauren Heinsch.