The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) have released the NCAA Division I Women’s College Preseason Rankings with Long Beach State tabbed No. 18. 

The 49ers defended their Big West Tournament title in 2011, advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the second-straight year, third in four season.  Long Beach recorded the programs first postseason victory continuing to the NCAA Elite Eight.  They wrapped up the season ranked No. 14 in the nation by the NSCAA, concluding its 18-6-1 season.

Nine new members will be joining the Long Beach squad led by Big West 2012 Preseason All-Conference selections, seniors Nadia Link and Alex Balcer.  The season will kick-off for the nationally ranked team taking on Pac-12 member Arizona Thursday, August 17 at 7 p.m.