SEATTLE (Aug. 15) -- Despite losing eight starters to graduation, Seattle Pacific University still garnered enough votes to be ranked No. 13 in the NCAA Division II preseason men's soccer poll.

The Falcons, who begin their season Aug. 24 at Phoenix versus Grand Canyon, are bidding for their 12th consecutive trip to the playoffs.

Defending national champion Cal State Dominguez Hills, which eliminated SPU in the first round of last year's tournament, is No. 1 in the poll, conducted by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

Seattle Pacific, coming off a 13-5-1 record, plays its first eight games on the road, including a Sept. 1 match at Cal State Dominguez Hills. The home opener Sept. 20 will be against No. 22 Sonoma State.

In the volleyball preseason rankings, Seattle Pacific received some votes but not enough to merit a place in the top 25. SPU opens Aug. 24 in Miami versus New York Tech.

Also beginning play next week is the new women's soccer team, which plays at San Diego's Point Loma Nazarene Aug. 25.