SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference announced its preseason coaches poll today, August 8, along with the preseason all-conference team. Elon was selected sixth in the poll, while sophomore goalie Kate Murphy picked up preseason all-league honors.
Murphy had a solid rookie season in 2011, going 6-5-1 overall (5-1-1 in SoCon play) with a .80 goals against average. Murphy ended the season with three shutouts and 52 saves.
Samford was selected as the preseason favorite with 120 points and 10 first-place votes. The Bulldogs were followed by College of Charleston, Furman, UNCG, Davidson, Elon, Georgia Southern, Western Carolina, The Citadel, Appalachian State, Wofford and Chattanooga.
Elon begins the 2012 season at home on August 17 when it hosts Cincinnati at Rudd Field.
2012 Women’s Soccer Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1. Samford (10) 120
2. College of Charleston (1) 106
3. Furman (1) 97
4. UNCG 88
5. Davidson 80
6. Elon 77
7. Georgia Southern 53
8. Western Carolina 50
9. The Citadel 44
10. Appalachian State 37
11. Wofford 28
12. Chattanooga 12
() denotes first-place votes
2012 Women’s Soccer Preseason All-Conference Team
F Vanessa Aponte, The Citadel
F Becca Fisher, Davidson
F Martha Hall, Furman
F Becca Smith, Chattanooga
MF Sarah Schaidle, College of Charleston
MF Mariana Garcia, The Citadel
MF Michelle Moll, Samford
D Ali Simpson, Furman
D Cat Barnekow, UNCG
D Sabbath McKiernan-Allen, Samford
GK Kate Murphy, Elon