Expectations are high for the Penn State women’s soccer team, especially coming off of a season that saw them one win away from a national title. The National Soccer Coaches Association of America — the go-to organization for collegiate soccer rankings — has taken notice, and pits Penn State as fourth in the country in its preseason poll released yesterday.

Three of Penn State’s opponents this season — Virginia (8), Michigan (19), and Ohio State (23) — are also ranked in the poll.

Penn State returns eight starters from last season, including last year’s MAC Hermann Trophy semi-finalist Maya Hayes and Big Ten Defender of the Year Whitney Church. Both players, along with incoming freshman Brittany Bassinger, were named to various Best XI lists from TopDrawerSoccer.com.

Penn State will kick off its regular season on August 23 against West Virginia in the opening game of the Penn State Invitational.