KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kutztown University women's soccer team will open its 2022 season ranked 13th in the nation, following Tuesday's release of the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Preseason Poll.

KU registered a 17-1-2 record in 2021 and captured the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division title with a program record 15 league victories (15-1-0, 45 pts.). Coach Erik Burstein's team went on to earn the top seed in the Atlantic Region and hosted NCAA Tournament first and second round games.

The Golden Bears didn't start the 2021 season nationally ranked, but quickly broke into the top 10 when the first regular season poll was unveiled, Sept. 7. Kutztown jumped into the top five a week later and remained there for the next eight polls, finishing the regular season at No. 3 with a 17-1-0 record.

KU is the highest ranked PSAC team and one of only two conference schools to appear in the preseason poll. PSAC East rival West Chester is No. 16.

Kutztown's 2022 season begins Thursday, Aug. 25, with a non-conference game at Charleston (W.Va.).