The Missouri Western women’s soccer team has been picked to finish 9th in the 2013 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll the league announced Tuesday.

The Griffons, under third-year coach Chad Edwards, finished 10th a season ago in the MIAA. The Griffons return eight starters and 14 letter winners from a season ago.

Last years MIAA champion Central Missouri tops the poll taking 11 of the possible 12 first place votes with 132 points. Central Oklahoma received one first place vote coming in second with 121 points.

Northeastern State came in 3rd in the poll with 104 points while last years MIAA Tournament Champion Fort Hays State came in 4th with 102 points. Northwest Missouri State came in 5th with 85 points just eight points ahead of 6th place Southwest Baptist (77). Missouri Southern and Nebraska-Kearney round out the top eight with 64 and 46 points respectively.

After the Griffons came Washburn in 10th place with 36 points, Lindenwood in 11th place with 32 points and Emporia State in 12th with 22 points.

The Griffons soccer team reported to camp on Saturday, August 17 and held their first two practices on Monday, August 19 in Spratt Stadium. The Griffons will play an Alumni Game on August 24 at 5:00 pm and will open up regular season play on the road in Minnesota.

On Friday, September 6 the Griffons will take on the Bemidji State University Beavers out of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Game time is set for 5:00 pm in Bemidji, Minn.

2013 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Central Missouri (11)        132
2. Central Oklahoma (1)      121
3. Northeastern State          104
4. Fort Hays State               102
5. Northwest Missouri          85
6. Southwest Baptist           77
7. Missouri Southern           64
8. Nebraska-Kearney           46
9. Missouri Western            37
10. Washburn                    36
11. Lindenwood                   32
12. Emporia State               22

— MU Sports Information —