LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The IUP women's soccer team was picked to finish fifth in the Western Division as the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) announced its 2021 preseason coaches' polls Friday afternoon.
The Crimson Hawks sit behind defending conference tournament champion Slippery Rock, which picked up six of nine first place votes and are the preseason favorites in the division. Mercyhurst (two first place votes) is second, Gannon (one) is third, with Edinboro just in front of IUP in fourth.
Like all teams in the PSAC, the Crimson Hawks last saw the field in 2019 after the pandemic forced cancellation of the 2020 season. IUP finished that season with a 10-9 overall record, falling to Slippery Rock in the quarterfinals of the PSAC tournament.
The Crimson Hawks return all-region selection and their top scorer from that 2019 campaign in
Mahogany Willis. The senior scored 15 goals on 51 on target shots two years ago, also dishing our five assists for 35 points.
Returning starters also include junior forward
Alayna Ryan (three goals) and junior defender
Cassidy Zandier.
The Hawks open their 2021 season Sunday, September 5 against West Virginia Wesleyan at home.
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For up-to-date information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP women's soccer on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUPsoccer.
