IRVINE, Calif.---The Biola women's soccer team was predicted to finish seventh in the 2023 PacWest Conference Preseason Poll, a slot higher than their eighth place finish last season. 

Ahead of the Eagles in the coaches preseason poll was No. 1 Concordia with 109 points, No. 2 Hawai'i Hilo (107 points), No. 3 Point Loma (103 points), No. 4 Azusa Pacific (86 points), No. 5 Westmont (70 points) and No. 6 Chaminade (60 points).

Biola received 49 points and was three points in front of the coaches' eighth place pick, Fresno Pacific.

The Eagles also had two athletes named to the conference's preseason team. Peyton Nelson, a sophomore, represented Biola as a preseason forward. As a true freshman, Nelson led the Eagles in scoring with four goals. She also contributed an assist in 2022 and started in every match but one, totaling 1,041 minutes of action. 

Biola's next preseason player was goalkeeper Autum Monty, a junior transfer from San Jose State. Monty played two seasons with the Spartans where she totaled 1,186 minutes, 55 saves and had three shutouts. In her first season at San Jose State Monty was awarded Freshman of the Week, Defensive Player of the Week and was the Rookie of the Year. 

Biola kicks off the season tomorrow Thursday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. against defending national champions Western Washington. Come out to Al Barbour Field to support your Eagles in their home opener. 

Preseason Poll

1	CUI	109
2	Hawai'i Hilo	107
3	Point Loma	103
4	Azusa Pacific	86
5	Westmont	70
6	Chaminade	60
7	Biola	49
8	Fresno Pacific	46
9	Hawai'i Pacific	44
10	Dominican	38
11	Academy of Art	14

CLICK HERE to view the women's soccer schedule.