NORMAL - The Illinois State women's soccer team has been picked to finish the season in fifth place in the Missouri Valley Conference standings, according to a coaches' poll released Wednesday.

Evansville is the conference favorite, followed by defending league and tournament champion Drake. Creighton and Missouri Valley were picked ahead of ISU. Indiana State and Northern Iowa rounded out the polling.

The Redbirds were 6-9-3 last season, including a 2-3-1 Valley mark, and tied for fourth in the standings.

Drew Roff is beginning his first season as ISU coach. The Redbirds open their season at 4 p.m. Aug. 31 at home against Wisconsin-Green Bay.