FHSU Sports Information Department
The Fort Hays State women’s soccer team enters the 2015 season picked fourth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released on Thursday (Aug. 20).
The Tigers finished the 2014 season with an impressive 13-5-2 overall record and an even better 8-2-2 record in the MIAA. The eight wins in conference play was the most by the program in their four-year history and earned the Tigers a No. 3 seed in the MIAA tournament.
“Something we always try to do here is try to get better,” which is what head coach Craig Shaw stated when asked about last year’s success. Shaw has a record of 40-31-7 entering his fifth year as the Tigers head coach.
Improvement on last year’s success looks to be in reach for the 2015 squad as 19 players return from 2014. The Tigers averaged 1.65 goals per match last season and should be confident as three of their top four goal scorers are among the returners. FHSU also had one of the top defenses in the MIAA (2nd) and nation (25th), producing 11 shutouts and just 0.62 goals per match.
In their brief history, FHSU has produced 20 All-MIAA players, including eight in 2014, and four All-Central Region recipients (three in last year).
The Tigers hit the pitch on September 4th to open the regular season at FHSU Soccer Stadium in Hays, Kan., against Southwest Minnesota State and then host Minot State two days later.
2015 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Missouri (11) 121
2. Southwest Baptist (1) 104
3. Central Oklahoma 103
4. Fort Hays State 95
5. Lindenwood 71
6. Missouri western 70
7. Northeastern State 63
8. Emporia State 56
9. Northwest Missouri 36
10. Nebraska-Kearney 30
11. Missouri Southern 28
12. Washburn 15