The Nebraska-Kearney women's soccer team, about to start its fourth-ever season, has been picked eighth out of 13 teams in the 2012 MIAA (Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association) preseason coaches poll.

Head coaches vote on the makeup of the poll and cannot vote for their own teams; note Pittsburg State and Lincoln do not sponsor women's soccer at this time.

Coming off a 5-12-1 (3-10-1 RMAC) season, the Lopers tallied 57 points to place ahead of fellow MIAA newcomer Lindenwood (58), Emporia State, Washburn and Missouri Western State. UNK also was just behind Southwest Baptist (58).

In 2011, UNK lost to eventual MIAA champion Central Missouri, 3-1, and beat Fort Hays State, 2-1. The UCM Jennies are picked to win the league (144 points; 12 first place votes) with the FHSU Tigers slated for seventh.

Of note, MIAA newcomer Central Oklahoma was the only MIAA schools to crack the national preseason Top 25, coming in 16th. The Bronchos are picked to finish second in the MIAA with Truman State, in its last year in the league, ranked third and picking up the other first place nod.

UNK, which starts fall camp this coming Monday, hosts Augustana in an exhibition game next Saturday at 5:00 p.m. with the regular season starting August 31st at SW Minnesota State.