FHSU SPORTS INFOMATION DEPARTMENT
The Fort Hays State women’s soccer team is picked fourth for the second consecutive year in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released for the 2016 season on Thursday (Aug. 18).
The Tigers had a solid season in 2015 going 11-8-1 overall with a fourth-place finish in the MIAA at 7-4. It was the second consecutive season that FHSU finished in the top third of the MIAA after a third place finish in 2014.
Fort Hays State will have a good mix of veterans and newcomers as it returns 15 players from the 2015 team while adding 12 to the roster this season. Amongst the returners are three defenders, All-MIAA selections Hannah Smith, CheyAnn Queener, and Bailey Schmitz, as well as All-MIAA goalkeeper Kristen Thompson. They helped anchor a defense in 2015 that held opponents to less than a goal per game with a 0.90 average.
In addition to defense, the offense will also see All-MIAA performers returning in forward Kelsey Steffens and midfielder Jasmine Beaulieu.
The Tigers kick off preseason action today, Thursday (Aug. 18) at Butler (Kan.) Community College in El Dorado, Kan. This will be the first of three exhibition matches for the Tigers before they start the regular season on Thursday (Sept. 1) with a road match against Southwest Minnesota State.
Below is the 2016 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll.
2016 MIAA Women’s Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Missouri (11) 121
2. Central Oklahoma (1) 104
3. Northeastern State 103
4. Fort Hays State 95
5. Missouri Western 66
6. Southwest Baptist 63
7. Nebraska-Kearney 58
8. Washburn 54
9. Emporia State 51
10. Lindenwood 32
11. Missouri Southern 25
12. Northwest Missouri 20