Aug 15, 2013

Cambridge, Mass. - The Stony Brook women's soccer team was picked to finish second in the annual America East preseason coaches' poll, as announced by the conference office Thursday. The voting was conducted by the conference's nine head coaches, who were not permitted to vote for their own teams. 

The Seawolves received four first-place votes in the poll, one less than preseason-favorite Hartford. Maine was picked third, while Vermont and New Hampshire were slotted fourth and fifth, respectively. Albany, Binghamton and UMBC comprised spots six through eight, while conference newcomer UMass-Lowell was picked ninth.

Last year, Stony Brook became the first No. 6 seed in conference history to capture the America East crown after winning three playoff road games, including a 1-0 decision over No. 1 Hartford in the championship. The Seawolves finished the season with 12 wins, the second-most in a season in program history.

Stony Brook returns 20 letterwinners in 2013, including senior striker Larissa Nysch (nine goals in 2012), senior keeper Ashley Castanio (120 saves, 1.20 GAA) and senior defender Ahriel Fernandez (third-team All-Northeast Region). 

America East Preseason Coaches' Poll