The UCF women’s soccer team received national attention on Tuesday in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and Continental Tire preseason rankings, claiming the No. 12 spot.
The team finished 2011 nationally ranked at No. 12 after their magical run through the NCAA Tournament that capped off with the program’s first Elite Eight appearance since 1987.
The Knights sit ahead of in-state rival Florida (No. 21), whom UCF will host this Saturday in its only exhibition game of the year, and fellow Conference USA member Memphis (Tied-14th). Florida State, whom the Knights will square off against in their home opener on Aug. 24, is currently ranked at No. 4. Defending national champion Stanford claimed the poll’s top spot.
UCF returns nine starters and four of its top five scorers from last year. Among those starters, the Knights bring back three NSCAA All-Central Region selections in Marissa Diggs, Nicolette Radovcic and All-American Tishia Jewell as well as Portuguese National Team member Andrea Rodrigues.
Earlier on Tuesday, Diggs and Jewell were once again named to the All-Conference USA preseason team with Diggs also earning Defensive Player of the Year recognition.
The exhibition match is set for 7 p.m on Saturday. Season tickets are currently available, beginning at $30. A complimentary soccer scarf comes with each purchase. The scarf also acts as your ticket to the game, so be sure to come to the game in style.