The Valparaiso University women’s soccer team has been picked to finish third in the Horizon League in the 2012 season, according to preseason polling of the league’s head coaches.

Fifth-year head coach John Marovich returns 15 letterwinners, including seven starters, from his 2011 team, which went 8-6-5 overall and placed third in the league with a 4-2-2 mark.  The Crusaders also add nine newcomers for the 2012 campaign as well.

Defending regular season and tournament champion Milwaukee shared the top spot in the poll at 44 points with Detroit, with the Panthers earning five first-place votes and the Titans three.  The Crusaders placed third with a total of 35 points, edging out Wright State by one point.  Cleveland State (24), Loyola (23), Green Bay (12) and Youngstown State (8) rounded out the polling.

Valparaiso opens exhibition play Wednesday night at Brown Field against Northern Illinois at 7:30 p.m., with live stats available at www.valpoathletics.com.  Exhibition action concludes Saturday afternoon at Oakland, while the regular season opens Friday, Aug. 17 at Brown Field against IUPUI at 6:15 p.m.  Follow the Crusaders throughout the season on Twitter (@valpowso) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Valpo-Womens-Soccer/112218587905).