Aug. 22, 2002

ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' women's soccer team was ranked 14th in the Division III National Soccer Coaches Association of America / Adidas Preseason National Poll that was released today.

The Cowgirls 2001 overall record of 19-2-4 catapulted them into the top 25 of the preseason poll. This is the first time ever the Cowgirls have been ranked in the preseason.

HSU edged out Trinity University, the only other Texas team in the poll, by one spot. The Cowgirls defeated Trinity to advance to the NCAA South Region Finals in 2001.

The top spot went to Ohio Wesleyan University with an overall record of 22-1-0. Amherst College (Mass.), Willamette University (Ore.), Wheaton College (Ill.), and The College of New Jersey round out the top five.

"We are excited to be ranked nationally," said third-year head coach Marcus Wood. "We now have to earn it on the field when the season starts."

HSU will begin action on Friday, August 30th when they play No. 23 Emory University in Atlanta, Ga.