MARION, Ind. -- The Indiana Wesleyan University women's soccer team is ranked No. 16 in the NAIA Top-25 Coaches' Pre-Season Poll, which was released by the NAIA on Tuesday night.

Indiana Wesleyan made the biggest jump in the poll from the final poll of a season ago as the Wildcats moved up seven spots from No. 23 to No. 16. Last year's squad ended the season 14-3-1 and advanced to the NAIA National Championship Opening Round.

"We were able to move up in the polls because we are returning a lot of starters and are bringing in a very good recruiting class this season," said Indiana Wesleyan head coach Dr. John Bratcher. "Our experience mixed with the talented newcomers is really going to help us through our schedule."

Indiana Wesleyan has nine returning players, including NAIA All-American Honorable Mentions senior defender Rebecca Foulk and junior forward Megan Marshall. Four All-Mid-Central College Conference selections will once again play for the Wildcats, sophomore midfielder Heidi Breckner, Foulk, Marshall and junior midfielder Brittany Smith.

The Wildcats are the lone MCC team in the Top-25 as IWU pulled in 249 points in the poll. Lee (Tenn.) University earned 20 of 21 first place votes to take the top ranking with 591 points. Concordia (Ore.) University was second with 563 points and Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) College received the other first place vote and is third with 552 points.

Indiana Wesleyan opens the season at Walsh (Ohio) University on August 28 and will host Cedarville (Ohio) University on September 8 in the season opener.