KANSAS CITY, Mo. - With just days remaining until the first exhibition match and less than a month left until the 2022 season opener, the Northwest women's soccer program has earned a spot in at least one preseason poll.

Northwest enters the season at fifth in the Junior College Division II United Soccer Coaches rankings, sponsored by Verizon. The rankings were revealed Tuesday afternoon.

Peninsula College (Wash.) tops the rankings after a 14-0-1 record last season, followed by MACCC foes Jones College at No. 2 and Holmes at third overall. The Lady Rangers also finished at No. 5 in the polls after compiling a program-best 15-3-1 overall record and a trip to the MACCC/Region 23 Semifinals.

Northwest brings back a slew of veterans from last season's squad, including Jennifer Enriquez, who shattered the program's single-season and career assists record. Midfielders Eliza Olive, Melinda Hernandez and defender Malaesha Liddell are also poised to return for the Lady Rangers, along with a plethora of newcomers. (Full season preview coming soon.)

Northwest will travel to Delta State on Saturday, August 13 for the program's first exhibition. The Lady Rangers will also participate in scrimmages against Christian Brothers and Harding University, before opening the regular season against National Park College on Saturday, August 27.