Aug. 12, 2009
PARK RIDGE, Ill.-The Penn State women's soccer team received another bit of good news on Wednesday just hours after earning its national ranking as the squad was picked as the Big Ten favorite to win the 2009 title. The Nittany Lions, who are seeking their 12th-straight title, were atop the list that saw Michigan State and Illinois slotted right behind them.
In voting conducted by the league's coaches, Penn State came out on top of the 11-team preseason standings. After Michigan State and Illinois, Purdue was fourth and Ohio State and Minnesota were locked in a tie for fifth. Wisconsin, Indiana, Northwestern, Iowa and Michigan round out the bottom half of the preseason standings.
Tuesday night saw the Nittany Lions ranked 12th in the NSCAA preseason poll. If Penn State can capture the Big Ten title this season, the Lions will tie the all-time Big Ten women's consecutive title record held by Michigan Swimming & Diving.
Penn State opens its season on Saturday with an exhibition game against Pittsburgh at Jeffrey Field. Kick off is slated for 4:00 p.m., while the regular season opener will be against No. 9 Virginia at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21. Fans are encouraged to join the Lions in attempting to break the Jeffrey Field single-game attendance record of 3,208 set in 2006.
Big Ten Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. PENN STATE
2. Michigan State
3. Illinois
4. Purdue
5. Ohio State, Minnesota
7. Wisconsin
8. Indiana
9. Northwestern
10. Iowa
11. Michigan
For complete coverage of all the Nittany Lion soccer this season, go to www.GoPSUsports.com/sports/w-soccer. Follow Penn State women's soccer on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PSUWomensSoccer.
--NITTANY LIONS--