Valpo women picked to finish fifth in conference poll

Story courtesy Valpo University Sports Information

Valparaiso, IN (August 11, 2008) - Valparaiso University has been predicted to finish in a tie for fifth place in the league's 2008 preseason women's soccer poll according to the voting done by the other conference head coaches.

First year head coach John Marovich returns 14 letterwinners, including six starters from last year's 10-9 season, which saw the Crusaders post a 4-4 mark and a fifth place finish in their inaugural season as members of the Horizon League.

The Crusaders tallied 31 points in the preseason poll, equaling the total received by Detroit to share the fifth spot in the balloting. Milwaukee, the defending eight-time Horizon League champion, was picked to win its ninth consecutive crown followed by Loyola and Wright State. Butler was tabbed fourth followed by the Crusaders and Titans.

Cleveland State and Green Bay share the seventh spot in the voting while Youngstown State was selected to finish ninth.

The voting, done by the league's head coaches, awarded eight points for a first place vote through one point for an eighth place vote. Coaches could not vote for their own team.

Valparaiso will open the 2008 regular season on Friday, August 2, as the Crusaders host Ball State at Eastgate Field. Kickoff is set for 5:15 p.m. The Brown and Gold will open exhibition play this Saturday at home against Saint Joseph's (Ind.) beginning at 6 p.m.

2008 Horizon League Women's Soccer Preseason Poll
1. Milwaukee (7) 63
2. Loyola (2) 58
3. Wright State 47
4. Butler 46
5. Valparaiso 31
Detroit 31
7. Cleveland State 19
Green Bay 19
9. Youngstown State 10
(First place votes in parentheses)

2008 Horizon League Women's Soccer Preseason Poll
1.	Milwaukee (7)	63
2.	Loyola (2)	58
3.	Wright State	47
4.	Butler	46
5.	Valparaiso	31
	Detroit	31
7.	Cleveland State	19
	Green Bay	19
9.	Youngstown State	10