Two Big Ten women's soccer programs have been named in the national rankings released Fri., Aug. 11 by SoccerBuzz.  Defending Big Ten champion Penn State is the highest-ranked conference team in the poll at the No. 8 spot. 

The Nittany Lions finished last season with a record of 23-0-2 after falling to then-No.1 Portland, 4-3 in penalty kicks, in the semifinal of the NCAA Women's Soccer Championship.  Illinois holds the No. 15 position, while Purdue is currently receiving votes.  The Illini ended their season 11-5-5 after losing to Florida State, 2-1, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.  The Boilermakers finished second in the Big Ten last season with a 7-2-1 conference mark and an 11-7-2 overall record. 

In addition to the national rankings, the women's soccer-only magazine ranked several Big Ten teams high in the regional polls. Eight squads were named in the Great Lakes region, three of which were ranked in the top five. Illinois captured the No. 2 spot and is followed by No. 4 Purdue, No. 5 Michigan State, No. 6 Ohio State No. 7 Michigan, No. 9 Minnesota, No. 12 Indiana and No. 14 Northwestern. Penn State took the No. 2 spot in the Mid-Atlantic region.

The Big Ten women's soccer season kicks off on Fri., Aug. 25, with all 11 conference teams in action.