Vikings Picked Fourth in MASCAC Preseason Poll - Women's Soccer Preview
SALEM, MASS. – Head Coach Nicolle Wood's women's soccer squad has been picked fourth in a vote by the league's coaches in the 2018 MASCAC Women's Soccer Preseason Poll. Salem State picked up 29 points,16 points behind preseason favorite Westfield State.
The Vikings are coming off their most successful season since 2012 as Salem State cracked the 10-win plateau last year, finishing 10-8-1 and 4-3 in the MASCAC, which was good enough for fourth place. The Vikings edged MCLA 2-1 in the conference postseason tournament, before losing to Worcester State, 1-0 in the semifinals.
| RETURNING PLAYERS |
Salem State returns an experienced squad this year, highlighted by All-Conference First Team Forward Ashley Leboeuf, who tallied four goals and three assists for 11 points in 2017. This year's co-captain had three game-winners for the squad a season ago. Also back are co-captain Kaitlyn Curley and Mikayla Porcaro, both players earned second team all-conference accolades a year ago after making a combined 32 starts.
| COACH'S TAKE |
"We had a bit of a breakthrough season last year, and my hope is that we are able to compete for the conference title this fall. Given the combination of our returners, coaching staff, and incoming players, I think we should be among the top four in the MASCAC this year. Given the strength of this conference, every year being in a position to host a playoff game is the first goal."
| OPENING GAME |
Saturday, September 1 vs.WPI
@ Worcester, Mass. 12:00 PM
| PRESEASON POLL |
2018 MASCAC Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll
(First Place Votes In Parentheses)
1.Westfield State (3) 45 points
2.Bridgewater State (3) 42 points
3.Worcester State (2) 42 points
4.Salem State 29 points
5.Framingham State 20 points
6.MCLA 18 points
7.Fitchburg State 16 points
8. Massachusetts Maritime 12 points