Lady Warriors Picked Seventh in Women's Soccer Poll
Wilkes, Scranton Favored in Top Two Spots

ANNVILLE, Pa. --- After a tough 2005 schedule that saw the Lady Warriors’ young squad experience a few growing pains, Lycoming women’s soccer was predicted to finish seventh for the upcoming campaign in the annual Freedom Conference women’s soccer preseason coaches poll.  Lycoming finished with an 8-9 overall record.

Wilkes University and the University of Scranton were tabbed for the top two positions in a close overall vote followed by Drew University in third.

Lycoming had aspirations of making it to the conference postseason last year, especially after missing the playoffs by a half game in 2004.  The freshmen-rich Lady Warriors got off to a promising start with victories in five of their first six contests before injuries and youth hampered the team’s progress through conference play.

Even though the squad didn't reach its goals last season, the coach staff is very excited for the upcoming season.  With only two starters departed form last season’s squad, the blue and gold are poised for a run to the top.  Each of the young players earned valuable on-field experience which should translate into more success this season.

Second year captains Stephanie Bomgardner and Amanda Smolarek, both seniors, are joined by sophomore Dana Steinbruch as on the field skippers.  Their leadership combined with the scoring punch of All-Freedom Conference First Team forward Rebekah Shipe and the solid goalkeeping of former First Team keeper Jessica Bennett could have the Lady Warriors on a collision course with a playoff berth.

Listed below is the full Freedom Conference women’s soccer preseason poll.  For more information on the conference and its affiliates, please visit the league’s website at www.lvc.edu/mac.

Freedom Conference Pre-season Women’s Soccer Poll
(#) – denotes first place votes