KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Western Michigan women's soccer team was picked first in the annual Mid-American Conference preseason poll, which was announced by the league this afternoon. The Broncos paced the 13-team league with eight first place votes and 135 overall points. 

The Broncos haven't lost a MAC game in two straight years, boasting a 16-0-6 record in that time frame. Along with back-to-back regular season titles, the Brown and Gold also claimed the MAC Tournament title last season and made an appearance in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2015. 

After the Broncos, Buffalo checked in at second with 128 points and four first-place votes. WMU beat UB, 5-0, in the MAC Tournament championship last season. Ohio (123 points), UMass (114, 1 FPV) and Bowling Green (93) rounded out the top five. Two of WMU's first three conference games this season will come against Bowling Green and Ohio. 

Rounding out the poll were Kent State (89), Miami (73), Northern Illinois (60), Eastern Michigan (55), Toledo (54), Ball State (50), Central Michigan (28) and Akron (12). Against those eight teams in 2024, Western Michigan was able to collect a 6-0-2 record. The Broncos outscored those eight teams by a total of 20-6. 

No team in MAC history has ever won three straight regular season titles. The Broncos have a wealth of returning talent, including the 2023 MAC Defensive Player of the Year Mira Pierre-Webster. She missed the 2024 season due to injury. Alongside her, Abby Werthman returns after collecting 33 points on 12 goals and nine assists. Heidi Thomasma and Madi Canada are also back after earning All-Region honors last season. Canada, Pierre-Webster and Thomasma are the team's captains. 

The Broncos kick off the season on Thursday, Aug. 14 at Notre Dame. WMU's first home game is on Aug. 28 at 4 PM against Creighton. Tickets are now on sale for the 2025 soccer season. Vist WMUBroncos.com/Tickets for more information.