Women’s Soccer Predicted To Finish Sixth In America East Preseason Coaches’ Poll

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Newly hired head coach Caitlin Colfer and the University at Albany women’s soccer team will play the role of underdog in the 2013 season. The Great Danes have been picked to finish sixth in the America East Conference preseason coaches’ poll on Thursday, August 15.
The Hartford Hawks, America East Tournament runner-ups, were predicted to finish first with five first places votes. Stony Brook, who finished first in the regular season and won the conference tournament, tallied four first-place votes and were predicted to finish second.

With just five upperclassmen, UAlbany will be tested early and often. The Great Danes graduated 83 percent (29 of 35 goals) of their offensive production, which included their top three goal scorers (Shayla Bergeron-11, Chelsea DeVerna-7, Maggie DeVerna-5).

However, UAlbany returns three of the four core defenders and starting goalkeeper. Defenders Stephanie Nelle, Leanne Miller and Kelly Kempf, starters of the Great Dane backline in 2012, will be counted on to be the strength of the UAlbany defense. Sophomore Alana Brennan returns with 14 games started between the pipes, a .711 save percentage, and a 6-7-1 record.

On offense, forward Allison Carhart tallied four goals and one assist in her freshman campaign and will look to improve on those numbers this season.

The Great Danes open up their 2013 schedule on the road for the first four games. UAlbany will travel to Florida to open the season against Florida Atlantic on Friday, Aug. 23. at 7 PM.

2013 Preseason Poll
Rank Team (1st-place votes) Points1. Hartford (5) 61
2. Stony Brook (4) 59
3. Maine 49
4. Vermont 38
5. New Hampshire 35
6. Albany 297. Binghamton 28
8. UMBC 15
9. UMass Lowell 8