NEW ROCHELLE, NY – The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference has announced the 2017 Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll.  Iona has been voted 10th in the poll.  The defending MAAC Champions Monmouth have been voted the preseason favorite, and Hawk redshirt sophomore Madie Gibson is selected as the Preseason Player of the Year.

 

Last year the Maroon & Gold placed 10th in the conference with a pair of wins against Niagara and Saint Peter's.  The Gaels also earned a draw against Marist.

 

Head Coach Sarah Brady has eight newcomers joining the Maroon & Gold program, making the team a unique blend of fresh talent and veteran leadership with nine combined seniors and graduate students.

 

Sophomore midfielder Amber Crispin returns after scoring a team-high four goals in 2016.  Graduate student Erika Flowers returns to the field and teams with senior Charlotte Stuart, both of whom are ready to add to their record book rising Gael careers.

 

Seniors Julia Campagna and Marisa Dundas have been named co-captains for the 2017 campaign.  Their presence on the field will aid a back line that includes senior defender Christine Rebus.  

 

Senior goaltender Tiffany Martinez is back in net after saving 6.67 shots per game in 2016, a pace that ranked top-10 in the NCAA.

 

The full 2017 MAAC Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll can be seen below.

 

Team Votes

1. Monmouth 120 (10)

2. Quinnipiac 101 (1)

3. Rider 96

4. Siena 95

5. Marist 71

6. Canisius 57

7. Manhattan 53

8. Fairfield 51

9. Niagara 46

10. Iona 25

11. Saint Peter's 11

 

The Gaels open the season on Friday, Aug. 18 at Army in West Point, NY.  Iona's first home game is on Sunday, Aug. 27 against LIU Brooklyn at 11 AM.

 

Fans can keep up with the latest news and excitement surrounding Iona women's soccer by following the team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.