Women's soccer picked fifth in preseason poll
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's soccer team has been picked to finish fifth in the annual Northeast Conference Preseason Coaches Poll that was announced on Monday.
The Bulldogs finished fifth in the league last fall, posting an 8-9-1 overall record and a 4-3-1 mark in the NEC. It marked the first time Bryant has posted back-to-back winning seasons in league play since making the jump to Division I.
Defending champion Saint Francis U. has been tabbed the favorite, receiving seven first-place votes. Central Connecticut and Fairleigh Dickinson were picked 2-3 and received the final two first-place nods. Sacred Heart was tabbed fourth, while Robert Morris, Wagner, LIU Brooklyn and Mount St. Mary's rounded out the poll.
Bryant returns a strong nucleus in 2017 that includes All-NEC Second Team selections senior Hannah Crofut (East Amherst, N.Y.) and classmate Amber Thomas (Rochester, N.Y.). The Black and Gold also welcome back their leading scorer from a season ago in senior Haley Reddish (Natick, Mass.) (3G, 3A).
The Bulldogs open the 2017 season on Friday, Aug. 18 when they visit in-state foe Rhode Island. First touch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in Kingston.