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.