CNBNews

GLASSBORO, NJ -- Rowan has been selected the favorite in the 2023 New Jersey Athletic Conference Women's Soccer Preseason Poll as the Profs collected seven of a possible 10 first-place votes.

The defending champion Profs feature two returning All-Americans in Emma DeMaise and goalie Calista Burke. The pair helped Rowan to a 14-1-4 and 7-0-2 NJAC record along with the program's fourth conference title in 2022. The duo helped shore up a defense that posted 13 total shutouts last year with Burke ranked in the top 10 in Division III in goals against average and save percentage.

Montclair State picked up three first-place votes and was second in the poll with TCNJ third and Stockton (the dark horse pick) fourth. Rutgers-Camden was fifth while Kean was sixth, Rutgers-Newark seventh, William Paterson eighth, NJCU ninth and Ramapo tenth respectively.

Rowan, who is also receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches Division III Preseason Top 25 Poll, begins the 2023 season on Saturday, September 2nd at home when the Profs welcome Muhlenberg to Glassboro in a 6 p.m. start.

2023 NJAC Women's Soccer Preseason Poll (first place votes in parentheses)
1.            Rowan (7)
2.            Montclair State (3)
3.            TCNJ
4.            Stockton (dark horse)
5.            Rutgers-Camden
6.            Kean
7.            Rutgers-Newark
8.            William Paterson
9.            NJCU
10.         Ramapo