With its season opener just days away, Penn State women’s soccer has once again solidified itself as a conference favorite.

The Nittany Lions, alongside Rutgers, received top marks in the Big Ten coaches’ preseason poll. The 2022 poll marks the first time that any two Big Ten women’s soccer teams have tied for the top spot in a preseason poll.

For Penn State, starting at the top is nothing new. The team has topped every conference preseason poll since 2003.

However, the 2022 poll stands out, as in 2021, Penn State recorded its worst finish in the Big Ten since Erica Dambach started as the head coach, falling to sixth place. Still, Dambach has never finished below the top slot in the Big Ten two years in a row, serving as a strong omen for her squad.

The Nittany Lions begin their season with a home game against Georgetown at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 18. The squad’s first away game will take place on August 28 against Monmouth