Rachael Radel is one of four returning starters for the Tigers in 2008.

Springfield, Ohio — When the Wittenberg University women's soccer team kicks off the 2008 season this weekend at Edwards-Maurer Field, the Tigers will take the field with a preseason national ranking for the first time in school history. Wittenberg starts the campaign ranked No. 15 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Division III poll a year after posting the best record in school history at 18-3-3.

Wittenberg made just its fourth appearance ever in the national rankings a year ago, garnering the necessary votes two weeks into the season after winning four of its first five games. The Tigers remained in the national top 25 the rest of the way, eventually settling at No. 15 after a loss to Ithaca in the third round of the 2007 NCAA Division III Tournament.

The Tigers advanced to the national competition after capturing their first North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) regular season title and second consecutive NCAC Tournament championship in 2007. With 18 letterwinners, including four starters, back from the deepest team in school history, the Tigers may have a lot of holes to fill, but Head Coach Norm Riker has plenty of quality options.

Hopes for another strong season in 2008 start with goalkeeper Jordan Bamberger, class of 2009 from Solon, Ohio, who has patiently waited her turn behind graduated All-American Meghan O'Rourke. Among others, Bamberger will be joined in the starting lineup by second-team All-American midfielder Suzanne Medwid, class of 2009 from Upper Arlington, Ohio, the team's top returning scorer.

Wittenberg is the only NCAC team in the preseason NSCAA poll, as well as the only team from the state of Ohio. The Tigers are the highest rated team in the Great Lakes Region, with only Calvin also receiving votes. The Knights, who tied Wittenberg in the second round of the 2007 NCAA Division III Tournament before the Tigers advanced on penalty kicks, check in at No. 19.

The season gets underway at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, when Alma College comes calling. The next day, Olivet College provides the opposition in a 4 p.m. start, also on Wittenberg's home turf.

Related Links: Wittenberg Women's Soccer Home Page National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)