A preseason Mid-American Conference coaches' poll has the Ohio women's soccer team destined for greatness.
The poll, which was announced last week, slated Ohio as placing first in the MAC during this year's season.
"Obviously, it's nice to get recognition from around the conference, and it's a sign of respect for where our program has been and where our program is going," said Stacy Strauss, head women's soccer coach. "But we're hesitant to put any real merit on it because it is so early in the year and so many things change within each teams' programs within a season."
Strauss said although anything can happen, she is optimistic about the year and the team itself.
"Our returning players are tremendous leaders, and we've been blessed with a few very talented freshmen," Strauss said. "We're certainly hoping to fulfill the expectations."
Among the returning players to watch are senior Christel Schiering, and juniors Gina Siedentopf and Kendra Hornschemeier. Schiering was third in the MAC for goal scoring in last year's season. Siedentopf won the team's Most Improved Player award last year and provided five assists, including the game-winner to Hornschemeier against Eastern Michigan. Hornschemeier scored the game-winner against Ball State that advanced the team to the MAC tournament championship game.
Last year, the soccer team was 9-4-2 in the MAC and 15-6-2 overall. The team lost the MAC championship against Miami, which placed Ohio second in the MAC last year. Last year's preseason coaches' poll also placed them in second.
Strauss said the team has the potential to do very well this season, but will definitely have challenging teams to face along the way.
"Last year we lost to Ball State during the season and beat them in the tournament, so we expect they'll give us a good challenge again," Strauss said.
Strauss said she expects Bowling Green and Miami to serve up exciting games, but also said she wouldn't discount any team the women will play.
"In this conference, anyone can have a break out year," she said.
Strauss said the team's strengths are its ability to possess the ball, to switch the point of attack and attack with speed. She also said the team needs to work on its dominance and consistency.
The soccer team began practicing on Aug. 12 and had an exhibition game Aug. 24 against Purdue, which they lost 2-1.
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Katie Gill
