ST. JOSEPH – The Missouri Western soccer team was picked second in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll that was released Monday. The Griffons finished with 108 points and one first-place vote.

Last season, the Griffons made history by qualifying for the program’s first-ever NCAA Central Regional. The Griffons ended 2017 with the second-most conference wins (9) in the MIAA, with an overall record of 17-5. The Griffons return two 2017 first team All-MIAA selections in Madeline Cowell and Cassidy Menke. Menke broke her own MWSU single-season scoring record with 15 goals in 2017 and became MWSU’s career goals leader. Menke and Cowell were also both named D2 Conference Commissioner’s Association and United Soccer Coaches All-Central Region. The duo is joined by 2017 third team All-MIAA midfielder Megan Maenner and honorable mention defender Bailey Ketcham.

Central Missouri was the only team slotted ahead of the Griffons in the poll. The 2017 NCAA National Champions and MIAA Champions finished with 121 total points and 11 first-place votes.

Northeastern State was picked third with 98 total points. The RiverHawks tied Missouri Western with nine wins in MIAA competition last season.

Fort Hays State finished fourth in the poll with 88 points, narrowly edging out Central Oklahoma. Missouri Southern landed sixth in the poll. Following Missouri Southern was Washburn. Emporia State was picked eighth and Lindenwood was slotted ninth.

Northwest Missouri, Nebraska Kearney and Southwest Baptist rounded out the 2018 preseason poll.

Griffon soccer will kick off the 2018 season on Aug. 31 in Searcy, Arkansas against Ouachita Baptist University.

2018 MIAA Women’s Soccer Poll
Central Missouri (11) – 121
Missouri Western (1) – 108
Northeastern State – 98
Fort Hays State – 88
Central Oklahoma – 85
Missouri Southern – 66
Washburn – 62
Emporia State – 45
Lindenwood – 43
Northwest Missouri – 40
Nebraska Kearney – 23
Southwest Baptist – 14

— MWSU Athletics —