They’ll never learn.

Irvine, CA—The Big West announced the results of the 2016 Women’s Soccer Preseason Poll today, and the nine conference head coaches are collectively predicting a sixth place finish for UC Riverside this season.

But don’t worry, Highlanders fans. Conference coaches have been woefully inaccurate when it comes to assessing the UC Riverside roster over the past three seasons.

Consider that in 2013, Big West coaches picked the Highlanders to finish last. UC Riverside finished third, and advanced to the Big West Championship Game before falling to Cal State Fullerton via penalty kicks.

Two years ago, Big West coaches again picked the Highlanders to finish last only to watch as UCR finished in fifth place, one game out of playoff spot.

Last season, conference coaches pegged UC Riverside to come in eighth place, and they finished fourth, advancing to their second conference tournament in three years.

The program is finally gaining a bit of respect from the rest of the Big West, as the team’s predicted sixth-place finish is its highest since 2007. That version of the Highlanders was picked to come in fifth place.

Head Coach Nat Gonzalez returns seven starters from a year ago, with goalkeeper Elizabeth Silas (0.94 gaa, 20 starts), forward Tyler Cunningham (7 goals, 3 assists), midfielder Alexa Bustamante (3 goals, 3 assists), and defender Amber Marani (1 assist) gone due to graduation.

Back in the fold for her senior season is Blanca Barrio, who finished fifth in the Big West in points a year ago with five goals and seven assists. Conference coaches selected Barrio to the preseason all-conference team. In just two seasons with the Highlanders, the San Bernardino native ranks second on the team’s career assist chart.

Seniors Brittany Mata (3 goals, 3 assists), Danielle Lopez (1 goal, 3 assists), and Sammy Arellano (2 goals), along with sophomore Darielle O’Brien (2 goals), are the other leading returners on offense for UC Riverside.

The Highlanders take on Grand Canyon this Saturday at 6 pm PT in the team’s lone preseason match of the season at Sliver Lakes Complex in Norco, California. The regular season kicks off on Friday, August 19 with a 4 pm match at San Jose State.