Valparaiso University's women's soccer team has been tabbed to finish in fourth place in the Mid-Continent Conference in preseason balloting done by the league's head coaches.

Head coach Stephen Anthony's squad garnered 19 points to tie IUPUI in the voting. The Crusaders are coming off of a 10-8-2 season in 2004 and a 3-3 mark in Mid-Con play, tying for third place last season. The Crusaders advanced to the Mid-Continent Conference Tournament title match one year ago.

Last year's champion, Oral Roberts, has been picked to repeat in the Mid-Con this season followed by Oakland. Centenary has been selected to finish third. Southern Utah and Western Illinois round out the poll having been picked sixth and seventh respectively.

First place votes earned six points in the poll on a scale that saw one point issued for a sixth place pick. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team.

The Crusaders will open up their 2005 regular season on Friday, August 26, as Valpo heads hosts Murray State at Eastgate Field in a 4 p.m. kickoff.

2005 Mid-Continent Conference Preseason Poll
Team - Points
1. Oral Roberts (5) - 35
2. Oakland (2) - 32
3. Centenary - 21
t-4. Valparaiso - 19
t-4. IUPUI - 19
6. Southern Utah - 12
7. Western Illinois - 11
(First place votes in parentheses)