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Soccer team picked to finish third in Great South Preseason Poll

Soccer team picked to finish third in Great South Preseason Poll
Posted: Sep 01, 2011

September 01, 2011

 

stephheads
DECATUR, Ga.- Wrapping up the final preseason poll of the fall season, Maryville sweeps the polls with a top finish for women's soccer. After winning their ninth straight Great South Athletic Conference championship, the Scots have been selected by coaches from around the conference to repeat that feat during the 2011 season.

Receiving eight of the nine first place votes, Maryville brings back Jordan Chase, Ashely Howarth and Kelsey Kestner who were named All-Conference for the 2010 season. Howarth led the conference in goals last season averaging a little over one per game. Also returning for the Scots is Alexis Franco who was a member of the All-Freshman team last season.

Coming in second is Piedmont who received the final first place vote. The Lady Lions finished last season 5-2 in the conference and 13-7 overall. They bring back Freshman of the Year Laura Goodwin who finished fourth in goals averaged with 14 over 19 contests. Piedmont returns seven of their starters this season while adding 10 new faces to the squad.

Salem occupies the third spot after finishing in second place during the regular season last year. The Spirits only had one conference loss last season which came at the hands of eventual champion Maryville. Stephanie Hubbard, Sabrina Thiel and Anna Trakas will be back on the field for Salem. As a team, the Spirits led the conference in goals with 74 throughout the season.

Rounding out the top five are Covenant and LaGrange. The Panthers of LaGrange will host the 2011 GSAC Men's and Women's soccer conference tournaments this year on Nov. 4-5. LaGrange coach Jim Robbins will seek his second straight Coach of the Year award after winning it last season.

Next on the polls are the Scotties from Agnes Scott who are picked to finish sixth in the conference. Junior All-Conference award winner Clara Kienzle returns for Agnes Scott as they look to improve on their 7-12-1 record from last season

Finishing out the preseason list are Huntingdon, Spelman and Wesleyan. Spelman has the daunting task of replacing last season's Player of the Year Danielle Stallings.