The Missouri Western State University Griffon women’s soccer team was tabbed 7th with 23 points in the annual preseason coaches’ poll which was released on Thursday, August 4 by the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.

The Griffons are coming off of a 2-10-6 season in 2010. The Griffons finished eighth in the final MIAA standings with a 2-8-6 record in MIAA play.

The Griffons return numerous players who saw plenty of action a season ago. Headlining these players are 2010 MIAA Honorable Mention performers, junior defender Erin Widrig of Wichita, Kan. and junior midfielder Ashlyn Castillo of Wichita, Kan.

Other players that will be asked to lead this group are seniors Molly Slattery (Elkhorn, Neb.) and Audrey Henderson (Liberty, Mo.). Juniors Abby Widrig (Wichita, Kan.) and Kelly Voigts (Olathe, Kan.) will also be looked upon for leadership this season.

Defending MIAA champion Central Missouri was tabbed No. 1 receiving eight first-place votes and 64 points. Truman State was voted second with one first place vote and 57 points. Truman and Central Missouri both made the NCAA South Central Regional last season.

Missouri Southern was voted preseason No. 4 with 46 points, followed by Washburn at No. 5 with 38 points. Northwest Missouri was selected sixth with 29 points, Missouri Western was picked seventh with 23 points, Emporia State was voted No. 8 with 15 points, and first year program Fort Hays State comes in at No. 9 with nine points.

The Griffons will report to fall camp on Sunday, August 14 with the first game of the 2011 season scheduled for Friday, September 2 in the GAC/MIAA Challenge against host school East Central University at 5:00 pm in Ada, Okla.

2011 MIAA Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Missouri (8) – 64 pts.
2. Truman (1) – 57 pts.
3. Southwest Baptist – 46 pts.
4. Missouri Southern – 43 pts.
5. Washburn – 38 pts.
6. Northwest Missouri – 29 pts.
7. Missouri Western – 23 pts.
8. Emporia State – 15 pts.
9. Fort Hays State – 9 pts.

— MWSU Sports Information —