The Northern Kentucky University women’s soccer team was picked to finish fifth in the 10-team Horizon League race in its first year as a member of the conference, according to a preseason poll conducted by the league’s head coaches.
Defending Horizon League champion Valparaiso was picked to finish first after tallying all nine first-place votes for which it was eligible. Coaches could not vote for their own team.
Oakland received one first place vote and is projected to finish second after collecting 63 points to the Crusaders’ 81. Oakland took third in the Horizon League last season.
Detroit and Cleveland State also lead Northern Kentucky in the poll with 60 and 48 points, respectively.
The Norse were selected fifth with a total of 43 points, edging Wright State by three points while Green Bay, Milwaukee, Youngstown State and UIC round out the poll.
Northern Kentucky is coming off its most successful season in Division I after posting a 9-8-3 overall record and a 3-3-1 mark in the Atlantic Sun. The Norse open the regular season at home on Friday, Aug. 21, when they take on IPFW at 7 p.m. at NKU Soccer Stadium. The match is set to air on ESPN3.
NKU opens Horizon League play on Sept. 28, at Youngstown State. The Horizon League Tournament will feature the top six teams beginning on Monday, Nov. 2 at campus sites and will continue at the venue of the No. 1 seed Nov. 5-7.
2015 Preseason Poll
1. Valparaiso (9) – 81
2. Oakland (1) – 63
3. Detroit – 60
4. Cleveland State – 48
5. Northern Kentucky – 43
6. Wright State – 40
7. Green Bay – 38
8. Milwaukee – 34
9. Youngstown State – 29
10. UIC – 14
From NKU Communications