Women’s soccer improved to No. 24 in the 2017 NAIA Women’s Soccer Coaches Top 25 Preseason Poll, the national office announced last Tuesday. The Saints finished out the 2016 season ranked 25th in the nation. The Saints began 2016 ranked No. 21 in the Preseason Poll that was released Aug. 16. They dropped off the poll, but received 39 votes on Sept. 20, 12 votes on Sept. 27, 11 votes on Oct. 4, 20 votes on Oct. 11, 37 votes on Oct. 18, 40 votes on Oct. 25, 52 votes on Nov. 1 and 70 votes on Nov. 8. In previous years, the Saints were ranked 18 on Nov. 17, 2013; No. 19 on Oct. 29, Nov. 5, Nov. 12 and Dec. 11 in 2013; and 21 on Oct. 15 and 22, 2013. In 2014, they began the season as No. 19 and received 35 votes on Dec. 10, 2014. Last season, the Saints ranked No. 24 on Aug. 18 and Nov. 15 and they finished out the year at No. 22.
