Aug. 20, 2001

Boston, MA -- - The Stony Brook University women's soccer team enters its inaugural America East season without much pressure to succeed from its America East counterparts. The Seawolves are picked to finish 10th in the 12-team conference.

Defending champion Boston University - which won its first America East crown last season - is picked to defend its title in 2001, receiving six of a possible 10 first place votes. Not far behind are the Hartford Hawks, who grabbed four first place votes and 114 points - four less than Boston University.

The top six teams in the conference will advance to the America East championship with the winner of the tournament receiving an automatic berth to the NCAA College Cup.

Stony Brook comes off an 8-10-1 season in 2000 and returns its top four scorers in Kerri McCabe (13g, 6a), Beth Arikian (5g, 6a), Jen Fontanetta (6g, 2a) and Sarah Greenberg (3g, 8a). Following two seasons as the team's starting goaltender, Lori Nelson will anchor the back line for the Seawolves.

Stony Brook opens conference play and its season at home against Boston University on August 31 at 1:00 p.m.

2001 America East Preseason Poll:

1). Boston U. (16-7, 9-0), 118 votes.

2). Hartford (17-4, 8-1), 114 votes

3). Hofstra (12-5-2, 7-2), 97 votes

4). Delaware (11-7-1, 4-5), 87 votes

5). Towson (10-8-1, 5-3-1), 80 votes

6). Northeastern (11-7-1, 5-4-0), 62 votes

7). Maine (5-10, 1-7), 58 votes

8). New Hampshire (5-12-1, 2-6-1), 57 votes

9). Vermont (4-14, 2-7), 44 votes

10). Stony Brook (8-10-1), 41 votes

11). Drexel (4-12, 0-8), 23 votes

12). Albany (3-15), 11 votes