(Photo courtesy of Clarion University Athletics)

With the addition of Shepherd to the PSAC, the sport of women’s soccer will be split into an Eastern and Western Division for the first time since 2009. Both divisions will consist of nine teams while the top four teams of each division will earn a spot in the PSAC postseason.

EAST

Bloomsburg, who is ranked No. 5 in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll, claimed eight of the nine possible first-place votes after advancing to the Elite Eight of the NCAA DII Championship in 2018 before falling to eventual national champion, Bridgeport. The Huskies claimed their fourth PSAC Championship and first since 2002. Bloomsburg’s 17 victories in 2018 were one shy of the school record of 18 set during the 1996 campaign. The team posted a school-best 16 shutouts and finished sixth among all DII teams in shutout percentage (.652). Goalie Jenna Hawkins has posted 19.5 shutouts in her first two seasons.

Kutztown was tabbed second and has qualified for the NCAA Tournament in three consecutive seasons. The Golden Bears return eight starters, including D2 Conference Commissioners Association Third-Team All-American goalie Jenna Bracken. Kutztown returns PSAC first-team all-conference representatives Kristina Miller and Emily Zwiercan.

West Chester was slated third and was ranked No. 23 in the USC poll. The Golden Rams return their top two goal scorers from a year ago in senior Madison Baxter and Kendall Rich. Senior Jenny Pail is the team’s lone returning all-conference member. Coach Betty Ann Kempf Townsley enters her 13th season at the helm and has led West Chester to the NCAA Tournament in all 13 seasons.

East Stroudsburg was picked fourth and received a first-place vote. The Warriors return the duo of Monica Wood and Haley Skove. Wood and Skove combined for 14 goals and five assists in the 2018 season. Mauri Jackson will be back in net after posting nine shutouts in her freshman campaign.

Millersville was selected fifth and returns senior Kay Liebl paced the league in points (42) and tied for the most goals (17). The Marauders will be directed by fifth-year head coach Matt Procopio. Procopio was tabbed Coach of the Year after leading Millersville to a 14-5 record. It was the team’s first winning season since 2014.

Lock Haven claimed sixth and returns the 2018 NCAA DII Atlantic Region and PSAC Athlete of the Year, Marah Foltz. Foltz notched a school-record 17 goals. The Bald Eagles advanced to the PSAC Tournament for the first time in 12 years.

Shippensburg, Shepherd and Mansfield rounded out the poll at No. 7, 8 and 9, respectively.

WEST

Slippery Rock claimed the No. 1 slot after receiving six first-place votes. The Rock returns seven starters from last season, including Freshman of the Year Jordyn Minda. Minda scored four match-winning goals last season. Slippery Rock has recorded 23 consecutive winning seasons, tied for seventh all-time in NCAA DII. The Rock has made seven NCAA Tournament appearances in the last 12 seasons.

Gannon was selected No. 2 and grabbed three first-place votes. The Lady Knights were third in the PSAC last season, averaging 1.94 goals per game while holding opponents to 1.0 goals per game. Senior Taylor Lewis has claimed all-region honors in each of her first three seasons and sits third all-time in Gannon history with 35 goals and is fourth with 87 points.

Seton Hill was picked third and will be under the direction of first-year coach Zak Kruger. The Griffins return all-conference and all-region performer in Italia Biondi. Biondi led Seton Hill with 10 goals and 23 points. She notched five match-winning goals in 2018.

Mercyhurst swiped fourth and returns nine of its top 10 players. The Lakers will rely on goalie Vilde Wold. Wold started 17 games and posted six shutouts with a 1.34 goals-against-average.

IUP rounded out the top five and was tabbed fifth. IUP’s head coach Adel Heder enters his 19th year at the helm and has accumulated 202 career wins, which ranks 29th amongst active DII coaches. The Crimson Hawks defense will turn to junior Madeline Smakulski. Smakulski has eight career shutouts.

Edinboro earned sixth in the poll and returns its top four scorers. The Fighting Scots will be led by Danielle Chatten. The senior forward finished with seven goals and an assist in 2018. Junior Cameron Bujnoski earned all-region honors and was one of only three players to start all 17 Edinboro matches while playing defender.

Pitt-Johnstown, Clarion and Cal U rounded out the poll, respectively.

12 PSAC teams will open their respective seasons Thursday, September 5.

League play will commence Wednesday, September 11.

PSAC Women’s Soccer Preseason Polls

EAST (# of 1st place votes)
1. Bloomsburg (8)
2. Kutztown
3. West Chester
4. East Stroudsburg (1)
5. Millersville
6. Lock Haven
7. Shippensburg
8. Shepherd
9. Mansfield

WEST
1. Slippery Rock (6)
2. Gannon (3)
3. Seton Hill
4. Mercyhurst
5. IUP
6. Edinboro
7. Pitt-Johnstown
8. Clarion
9. Cal U