BEAUMONT, Texas - As Lamar University's women's soccer team gets ready for their return to the Southland Conference, they are already being looked at as one of the top teams entering the 2022 season. The Cardinals' strong play from last season has gotten them ranked third in the 2022 Southland Soccer Preseason Poll, presented by Ready.
 
With 77 points, LU trails nearby rival McNeese by 36 points for second place while they are ahead of UIW by three points. Northwestern State, the defending conference champion who has 16 of the 18 first place votes, was picked to finish first with 128 points. Three different schools received first-place votes in the poll, but the Cardinals are the lone team inside the poll's top four to not receive a first-place nod.
 
The Cardinals spent last season in the Western Athletic Conference posting a 10-8-2 record overall and a 6-2-2 mark in conference play. Big Red reached the WAC Tournament semifinals after beating New Mexico State 1-0 in their opening round game.
 
The Southland Conference preseason poll is voted on by each school's head coach and sports information director. Each voter ranks their predicted order of regular-season finish, not including their own team.

2022 Southland Conference Soccer Preseason Poll
 

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