Kansas Soccer Picked Fourth in Big 12 Preseason Poll, Receives First-Place Vote

Jayhawks receive highest standing in preseason poll since 2005

Junior Madi Hillis and the Jayhawks were picked to finish fourth in the Big 12 coaches' preseason poll.

Aug. 10, 2012

IRVING, Texas - Kansas soccer is predicted to finish fourth in the Big 12 preseason coaches' poll, which the conference office released Friday morning. The Jayhawks received a first-place vote in the preseason poll for the first time since the 2004 season, when KU won the regular season title.

Defending league champion Oklahoma State was picked to win the conference, receiving four first-place votes and 60 points overall, followed by West Virginia (56), Baylor (49), Kansas (44), Texas Tech (39), Texas (27), Oklahoma (25), Iowa State (13) and TCU (12).

KU's fourth-place prediction is its highest in the Big 12 preseason poll since the 2005 season. The Jayhawks return 17 letterwinners and five starters from last year's squad that finished 11-9-1 overall and 3-5 in conference play.

Kansas will open its 2012 slate on Sunday with an exhibition match against Eastern Illinois at the Jayhawk Soccer Complex. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m., with free admission to all fans.