Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirl Soccer Debuts at No. 14
August 09, 2011 | Cowgirl Soccer
Aug. 9, 2011
STILLWATER, Okla. – The Oklahoma State women's soccer team debuted as the No. 14-ranked team in the country Tuesday in the National Soccer Coaches of America poll.
OSU's highest preseason ranking was No. 11 in 2009. This year's poll marks the fifth-straight year the Cowgirls have been ranked in the preseason polls.
In addition to the Cowgirls, Big 12 cohort Texas A&M (No. 11) also received a spot in the poll.
OSU is coming off the best season in program history as the Cowgirls went 20-4-2 in 2010 and advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Women's Soccer Championship before falling to eventual national champion Notre Dame. They also won a third-straight conference championship by claiming the Big 12 tourney title.
In 2011, the Cowgirls return 10 starters, including six All-Big 12 Conference performers. All-Americans Melinda Mercado and AD Franch return to anchor one of the nation's top defenses, while OSU also returns five of its top six goal scorers from a year ago, led by senior Krista Lopez and her 19 career goals.
OSU travels to Dallas Saturday for a preseason exhibition match against SMU before opening the regular season with a non-conference showdown against TCU in Stillwater on Aug.19.
