LaSalle University Sports: Women's Soccer Picked Second in Preseason Poll
Thursday, August 15, 2013
PRESS RELEASE AUGUST 14, 2013
By MOLLY GALLAGHER
PHILADELPHIA- Coming off their second consecutive NCAA tournament appearance, La Salle University women's soccer has been selected to finish second in the Atlantic 10 according to preseason voting conducted by the 13 head coaches.
The 2012 Atlantic 10 Champions, La Salle entered last year's tournament as the top seed after remaining undefeated in conference play for the second consecutive year—an impressive streak dating back to October 29, 2010 and spanning 18 games.
La Salle went on to defeat Charlotte, Butler and VCU during the tournament to secure its first-ever Championship title and automatic NCAA tournament bid.
The Explorers return six starters including 2012 Defender of the Year Courtney Niemiec, CoSIDA Academic All-American Renee Washington and 2011 All-American Kelsey Haycook—all of whom were selected for the Preseason All-Conference team.
La Salle was selected behind Dayton in the preseason poll. In their last meeting, La Salle defeated the Flyers, 2-1, in overtime at home. The two squads are slated to face off at McCarthy Stadium on November 1, 2013 at 7 p.m.
The entire coaches' poll and all-conference teams are below.
Full Atlantic 10 Release
1. Dayton, (14-4-2; 7-1-1)
2. La Salle (17-5-1; 8-0-1)
3. VCU (12-5-5; 6-2-1)
4. Richmond (8-9-1; 4-4-1)
5. Massachusetts (9-10-1; 4-4-1)
6. George Mason (7-11-1; 3-6-1/CAA)
7. Saint Joseph's (9-7-4; 4-2-3)
8. Saint Louis (5-9-4; 3-4-2)
9. Fordham (8-11; 4-5)
10. Rhode Island (11-8-1; 4-5)
11. George Washington (5-12-1; 1-8)
12. Duquesne (6-11-2; 2-6-1)
13. St. Bonaventure (8-11-1; 5-4)
2013 Preseason All-Conference Team
Ashley Campbell, Dayton, Forward
Kelsey Haycook, La Salle, Forward
Becca Wann, Richmond, Forward
Courtney Conrad, VCU, Forward
Juliana Libertin, Dayton, Midfield
Renee Washington, La Salle, Midfield
Mo Hawkins, Saint Joseph's, Midfield
Sarah Senoyuit, Dayton, Defender
Courtney Niemiec, La Salle, Defender
Ashley Riefner, Richmond, Defender
Devon Tabata, Duquesne, Goalie
2013 Preseason All-Rookie Team
Meghan Blank, Dayton
Libby Leedom, Dayton
Erin O'Malley, Dayton
Diarra Simmons, Dayton
Ashley Nater, Duquesne
Olivia Roberson, Duquesne
Alyssa Fratarcangeli, Massachusetts
Frida Lindblom, Massachusetts
Kaleigh Kurtz, Richmond
Cristina Rodriguez, Saint Louis
Alex Wong, VCU
