It’s almost time for Penn State women’s soccer, folks.

The Nittany Lions made their debut in the 2023 United Soccer Coaches Poll, taking the No. 10 spot in the preseason poll Tuesday. The program made a three-spot jump from the end-of-season poll in the 2022 season when it was ranked No. 13.

Penn State is the highest-ranked team in the Big Ten, with Michigan State and Northwestern taking the No. 17 and 18 spots, respectively. Nebraska and Rutgers received votes, while future Big Ten opponent USC was ranked at No. 22.

The Nittany Lions begin their season in just over two weeks’ time with a game against North Carolina on Thursday, August 17. The Tarheels, who reached the 2022 NCAA National Championship game, were ranked No. 2 in the poll, sitting behind national champion UCLA.

Including North Carolina, Penn State will face six teams that were ranked or receiving votes in the preseason votes in the regular season. The Nittany Lions will also take on No. 9 TCU and No. 24 UCF, as well as all ranked Big Ten teams.

Penn State is coming off of a successful 2022 season that saw it earn a 15-5-3 record while advancing to the NCAA Tournament round of 16 before losing to Virginia at Jeffery Field. The Nittany Lions are returning seven starters for their 2023 run.