Aug. 26, 2003

VILLANOVA, PA. - On Tuesday, Aug. 26th, Soccer America released its 2003 Preseason Top 25 Poll. The Villanova women's soccer team is ranked No. 22 in the Soccer America Preseason Poll, after finishing the 2002 season at No. 20.

The Wildcats tied the school record for wins in a season last year posting a 14-3-4 final record. The program earned its second consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament in 2002 as well. In addition, Villanova was ranked as high as No. 14 in the Nation's Top 25 at one point last season.

Head Coach Ann Clifton's Wildcats return nine of their 11 starters from last season's team, including 2003 Big East Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year Chrissy Dolan, first team All-Big East forward Laura Johnson, and 2002 NSCAA third team All-America defender Michelle Biehl.

Villanova will open the season on Friday, Aug. 29th, hosting Lehigh University at 4:00 p.m., at the Villanova Soccer Complex.

Soccer America College Women's Preseason Top 25

Team                    2002 record        Final `02 Ranking
1. North Carolina       21-2-4          	2
2. Stanford             21-2-0          	1
3. UCLA                 18-4-0          	3
4. Santa Clara          20-5-1          	4
5. Texas                15-5-1          	11
6. Notre Dame           13-8-0          	NR
7. Portland             20-4-2          	7
8. Penn State           19-4-1          	13
9. Virginia             13-7-2          	24
10. Pepperdine          18-2-2          	5
11. West Virginia       18-3-1          	8
12. Tennessee           18-6-1          	12
13. Florida State       13-7-3          	NR
14. Arizona State       12-7-3          	25
15. Connecticut         21-3-1          	6
16. California          12-8-1          	18
17. Texas A&M           20-5-1          	9
18. Maryland            13-8-2          	19
19. Clemson             14-8-0          	14
20. Nebraska            16-6-3          	10
21. USC                 11-8-3          	NR
22. Villanova           14-3-4          	20
23. Auburn              15-5-2          	NR
24. Duke                9-9-2           	21
25. Charlotte           16-2-2         	        23