CAA Releases Women’s Soccer Preseason Poll

RICHMOND, Va. – The Colonial Athletic Association released its 2017 Women’s Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll on Friday, August 11.

Elon University seniors Kendall Ballotti and Grace Bennett collected honorable mention accolades on the 2017 Preseason All-CAA Team.

Ballotti was a All-CAA First Team selection as a junior in 2016 after scoring three goals and adding one assist for seven total points at the center back position. She also logged a team-high 1,581 minutes and became program’s first All-CAA First Team selection. Ballotti anchored a back line that posted three CAA shutouts last season, which ranked second in the league.

Bennett earned Preseason All-CAA recognition after starting in all 18 matches she played in last season. Starting in the central midfield, Bennett clocked 1,367 minutes of action, scoring a goal and adding an assist.

The Phoenix squad returns 19 players from the 2016 season, which includes nine starters. The maroon and gold also adds 10 newcomers to the squad as the team gets set for its fourth season in the CAA.

Elon was selected tied for eighth in the preseason league poll, compiling a total of 20 points.

Following its exhibition match on Sunday at East Carolina, the Phoenix opens the 2017 season on Friday, August 18, on the road at North Florida. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Hodges Stadium.

2017 CAA Women’s Soccer Preseason Poll

Place. Team                     Points
1.     Northeastern              81
2.     William & Mary            69
T3.    Drexel                    56
T3.    James Madison             56
5.     Hofstra                   48
6.     UNCW                      46
7.     College of Charleston     36
T8.    Delaware                  20
T8.    Elon                      20
10.    Towson                    18

2017 Preseason All-CAA Women’s Soccer Team

 Name                  School                Pos.  Cl.   Hometown
Haley Crawford James Madison F So. Port Matilda, Pa.
Kayla Cappuzzo Northeastern F Sr. Merrick, N.Y.
Vanessa Kara Drexel F Jr. Burlington, N.J.
Hannah Rosenblatt Northeastern F Jr. Lincoln, Mass.
Sarah Segan William & Mary F So. Fogelsville, Pa.
Hannah Lopiccolo Northeastern M Sr. Trabuco Canyon, Calif.
Shaelyn McCarty Drexel M Jr. Doylestown, Pa.
Rachel Moore William & Mary M Sr. Vienna, Va.
Madeline Anderson Hofstra D Jr. Westbury, N.Y.
Elyse Branton William & Mary D Sr. Sterling, Va.
Meredith Tunney College of Charleston D Jr. Naperville, Ill.
Christiana Ogunsami Drexel GK Sr. Cherry Hill, N.J.

2017 CAA Preseason Player of the Year: Hannah Lopiccolo, Northeastern

Honorable Mention: Kendall Ballotti, Elon (D); Grace Bennett, Elon (M); Maddie Bove, Towson (M); Maddie Brill-Edwards, CofC (D); Haley Kent, William & Mary (D); Mackenzie Kober, William & Mary (M); Nathalie Nidetch, Northeastern (GK); Serenity Waters, UNCW (F)