Click here for official release
GLIAC -- The Saginaw Valley State University Women's Soccer team has been picked to finish in third place in the 2019 GLIAC Women's Soccer Coaches Poll, garnering 64 points to finish in the third slot.
Ferris State had 67 points an one first-place vote to finish just ahead in second place while Grand Valley State is the league favorite, earning 81 points and the other nine first-place nods. The Cardinals edged-out Ashland for the No. 3 spot, as the Eagles had 63 points in the preseason balloting by the league's head coaches.
2019 Saginaw Valley State Preview
The 2019 SVSU Women's Soccer team returns an experienced group looking to build upon last year's appearance in the NCAA Division II Tournament, which was the third showing in the tourney in program history. The Lady Cardinals return eight seniors, three of their top-five scorers and an experienced back line heading into the season.
Senior forwards Molly Vanderhoff and Valentina Giambanco return to lead the offensive attack after scoring 26 and 24 points, respectively, to lead the way in 2018. Both players earned All-GLIAC First Team and All-Midwest Region plaudits. Amy Babon enters her sophomore season after finishing a solid first year with four goals and three assists. Jennifer Muana, a three-time All-GLIAC honoree and 2018 All-Midwest player, will anchor the back line at the defensive position for SVSU alongside fellow senior Brianna Bishop. Senior midfielders Whitney Fleming, Allison Sims and Hannah Tarnaski bring much experience to the table while the Cards have both Alyssa Watts and Abby Divozzo returning at the goalkeeper position. Watts started all 20 matches in 2018 for SV.
Saginaw Valley gets its 2019 campaign underway September 6-8 when it hosts regional opponents Maryville and Missouri-St. Louis at Braddock Field. GLIAC play gets underway on Friday, October 4 at Parkside after beginning the season with seven straight non-conference matches.