RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. -- Northeastern State men's soccer is tabbed to finish in fifth place in a preseason vote by the Great American Conference and Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association men's soccer coaches, league officials announced on Thursday afternoon.

The RiverHawks received 16 points in the poll and have qualified for the GAC/MIAA postseason in four of the last five seasons.

Rogers State edged out Fort Hays State by receiving four first-place votes to FHSU's total of three, but the Hillcats were knotted up with the Tigers in overall points with 33 apiece. Southern Nazarene was picked third with 26 points, while Newman wrapped up the projected tournament field with 22 points and a fourth-place spot. 

Ouachita Baptist (ten points) and Harding (seven) were slotted behind NSU in sixth and seventh place, respectively.

Northeastern State opens the regular season in Springfield, Mo. on Sep. 4 against Drury with an 8:30 p.m. start time. After completing a four-match road trip to begin the season, the home schedule opens at DeLoache Field on Sep. 18 against St. Edwards at 7 p.m.