UCLA tops TDS DI women's preseason rankings
Are the champs here to stay?
Behind a suffocating defense and a determined and clutch attack, the Bruins finally nabbed that elusive title last fall, topping Florida State in Cary, North Carolina. And after losing just one consistent starter from last year's squad, midfielder Jenna Ricmond, the Bruins start this year from the top of the TopDrawerSoccer.com Division I women's Top 25, which was announced on Monday.
MORE: TDS Preseason women's Best XI squads | College previews
Checking in at the second spot is the Seminoles. The runners up lost two big pieces in center back Kassey Kallman and netminder Kelsey Wys, but return a lot of talented player's from last year's group, including attacking midfield maestro Dagny Brynjarsdottir, and usher in a talented crop of seniors.
National semifinalists Virginia come in at No. 3. While a solid chunk of last year's magnificent squad graduated, fourth year midfielder Morgan Brian's star continues to rise, and she'll look to push the Cavaliers back to the College Cup, forming a dangerous attacking pair with forward Makenzy Doniak.
The No. 4 and 5 spots swing into SEC country, as Florida and Texas A&M bring back nearly their entire First XIs respectively. A deep tournament run proved elusive for the Gators last season, but their stout defense is back, and sophomore forward Savannah Jordan will be hungry to erase the disappointment of the U20 World Cup. The Aggies return familiar faces Shea Groom, Meghan Streight, Jordan Day, Leigh Edwards and Kelley Monogue to a team that claimed a share of the conference regular season crown along with the confernece tournament title.
Rounding out the top ten are several familiar programs, including Virginia Tech, Stanford, North Carolina, South Carolina and West Virginia. To see the full top 25, click here.
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