The Salisbury University field hockey team will begin its 2012 season as one of the top-five teams in the nation. The Sea Gulls begin their journey towards their sixth national title perched at No. 4 in the 2012 Penn Motto/NFHCA Division III Preseason Poll.

Last year, the Sea Gulls wrapped up its season with an 18-2 overall record and an unblemished, 7-0, Capital Athletic Conference seizing the program's 16th CAC title.

Mary Washington (15-5, 5-2 CAC), which tied Wesley for second place in the 2011 CAC regular-season standings, also received votes in the preseason rankings.