Aug. 18, 2005

Champaign, Ill. - Illinois women's soccer is ranked third in a preseason poll of Big Ten coaches released Thursday. The Illini trail only Penn State, who garnered the top spot, and Ohio State, who was No. 2.

Illinois is coming off a berth in the 2004 Elite Eight, the best postseason run in school history. The Illini also were the last Big Ten team standing in the 2004 NCAA Tournament.

The Orange and Blue finishes its exhibition slate with a match at Cincinnati Friday at 3 p.m., before returning to Champaign for the annual Fan Appreciation Day on Sunday, Aug. 21 at 3 p.m. at Memorial Stadium. Fans can meet Illini coaches and players as well as get photos taken and autographs signed at the event.

Illinois begins its regular season with a match at Marquette at 8:15 p.m. on Aug. 26.