The Missouri Western women’s soccer team has been picked to finish 13th in the 2012 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll the league announced today.

The Griffons, under second-year coach Chad Edwards, finished ninth a season ago in the MIAA and return six starters and 14 letter winners from a season ago.

Last years, MIAA champion Central Missouri tops the poll taking 12 of the possible 13 first place votes with 144 points. Newcomer, Central Oklahoma did not receive a first place vote, but came in #2 in the poll with 133 points.

Truman State earned the other first place vote coming in 3rd in the poll with 125 points. Northwest Missouri State came in 4th with 96 points just two points ahead of 5th place Missouri Southern (94). Northeastern State and Fort Hays State round out the top seven with 77 and 74 points respectively.

The Bearcats from Southwest Baptist came in 8th with 58 points just one point ahead of 9th place Nebraska-Kearney. Lindendwood, Emporia State and Washburn finished 10th, 11th and 12th with 50, 46 and 37 points respectively.

The soccer team reports to camp on Sunday, August 12 and will have their first practice at 6:10 am in Spratt Stadium on Monday, August 13. The Griffons will play an Alumnae Game on August 25 at 6:00 pm and will open up play hosting the GAC/MIAA Challenge on August 31-September 2. Western will take on Southwestern Oklahoma State University to open up the season on Friday, August 31 at 7:30 pm and will take on East Central University on Sunday, September 2 at 2:30 pm.

2012 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Missouri (12) 144
2. Central Oklahoma 130
3. Truman (1) 125
4. Northwest Missouri 96
5. Missouri Southern 94
6. Northeastern State 77
7. Fort Hays State 74
8. Southwest Baptist 58
9. Nebraska-Kearney 57
10. Lindenwood 50
11. Emporia State 46
12. Washburn 37
13. Missouri Western 26

— MWSU Sports Information —