Valparaiso University has been predicted to finish in third place in the Horizon League’s 2010 preseason women’s soccer poll according to the voting done by the other conference head coaches.

Third-year head coach John Marovich returns 13 letterwinners, including eight starters from last year’s 11-9-1 team, which advanced to the championship match of the Horizon League Tournament.

The Crusaders tallied 46 points in the preseason poll to place third, edging fourth place Loyola (Chicago) by two points.  Milwaukee was projected to win the league title with Wright State tabbed second.  Butler and Green Bay were picked fifth and sixth respectively while Detroit, Cleveland State, and Youngstown State rounded out the poll.

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 2010 regular season on Saturday, August 21, as the Crusaders head to Kansas City, Mo. to face UMKC.  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.