INDIANAPOLIS - The IUPUI women's soccer team has been picked to finish second in the Horizon League according to the 2018 preseason poll, released on Tuesday (Aug. 14). The reigning league champs trailed only Milwaukee in the preseason poll as the Panthers collected five of 10 first-place votes to garner the top spot. Head coach Chris Johnson's club earned three first-place votes to earn the second position and was trailed by Wright State, Northern Kentucky and Cleveland State. 

UIC, Oakland, Detroit Mercy, Youngstown State and Green Bay rounded out the group.

Johnson's Jaguars are fresh off the program's second-ever NCAA Tournament berth and returns seven starters from a season ago. Headlining that group is reigning Horizon League Goalkeeper of the Year Sophia Lipka (0.90 GAA, 10 shutouts) and talented sophomore forward Valentine Pursey (13 goals, 3 assists). In addition, sophomore Natalie McNally played a team-high 2,018 minutes a season ago and veterans Braegan Lyon, Becca Spitalniak and Jenna Sterr key a defense that registered a school record 10 shutouts last season. 

Six newcomers saw time in the Jaguars' lone exhibition over the weekend with rookies Elizabeth Bueckers and Megan Wurth earning starts. 

IUPUI went 14-6-3 overall last season and 6-2-1 in Horizon League play. The Jags were 5-0-1 in home Horizon League games a season ago. 

The Jaguars will begin the regular season this Friday night (Aug. 17) when they host Marian University at 5:30 p.m. at Michael A. Carroll Stadium. 

Pl.           Team – Pts. (1st place votes)
1.            Milwaukee – 87 (5)
2.            IUPUI – 80 (3)
3.            Wright State – 72 (1)
4.            Northern Kentucky – 69 (1)
5.            Cleveland State – 66
6.            UIC – 57
7.            Oakland – 40
8.            Detroit Mercy – 37
9.            Youngstown State – 24
10.          Green Bay – 18