The NCAA released its first women's soccer preseason poll and the Boston College Women's team was ranked 4th in the country. BC finished the 2010 season 17-7-1, making it all the way to the College Cup semifinals before falling to Stanford. BC is one of six ACC schools to make the Top 25:

"North Carolina holds a No. 3 preseason ranking in the poll released Tuesday, followed by 2010 College Cup participant Boston College at No. 4, Florida State at No. 5, Maryland at No. 6 and Virginia at No. 10. Defending ACC champion Wake Forest holds the No. 18 spot.

Defending national champion Notre Dame holds the No. 1 spot in the poll, and 2010 NCAA runner-up Stanford is ranked second. The ACC's six ranked teams lead all conferences.

All six ranked ACC teams were among the conference record-tying eight that competed in the 2010 NCAA Tournament. Duke, another NCAA participant from last season, also received votes in the 2011 NSCAA preseason poll."

The women started training / practices yesterday. According to the BC official website they are primed for another big season:

"Boston College returns eight starters from the 2010 College Cup team including goalkeeper and team co-captain Jillian Mastroianni and defender and co-captain Alyssa Pember. Other key returning players include seniors Julia Bouchelle, Alaina Beyar, and Stephanie Wirth. The Eagles top two scorers - Kristie Mewis and Victoria DiMartino - are also back for the third season."

The team has a preseason scrimmage against Connecticut on Friday and opens the season next Saturday against Boston University. The Eagles lead the all-time series with the Terriers 6-1, including a 2-1 victory last year during the NCAA tournament. BC opens its ACC schedule on September 18th against Virginia.