W&L WOMEN'S SOCCER 15th IN PRESEASON NATIONAL RANKINGS

LEXINGTON, Va. -- Washington and Lee's women's soccer team has been ranked 15th in the NSCAA/Adidas NCAA Division III Women's Preseason Poll, released by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Two-time defending champion Ohio Wesleyan emerged as the top-ranked team in the preseason. Joining W&L in the national rankings are 2003 opponents Mary Washington (17th) and Lynchburg (19th).

Led by Neil Cunningham, the South Region Coach of the Year, the Generals went 17-2-3 in 2002 and finished the year ranked 16th in the nation. Washington and Lee used a school-best 20-game unbeaten streak to win its first Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) championship and make its first NCAA tournament appearance.

The Generals, who are predicted to repeat as ODAC champions, return nine starters, 13 letterwinners and seven All-ODAC selections.

Washington and Lee opens its 2003 campaign when the Generals host conference-foe Bridgewater on Saturday, September 13. Match time is slated for 1:00 p.m.

-- GENERALS --