(Courtesy Saint Louis Athletics)
Saint Louis University women’s soccer has been tabbed for a fourth-place finish in the 2014 Atlantic 10 Conference standings, according to a preseason poll of A-10 head coaches.
In addition, the coaches selected Billiken senior defender Mary Wright to the preseason All-Conference team.
The Billikens, who tied for second place in the 2013 regular-season standings with a 5-2-1 record, received 138 points. The second-place tie was a jump of 10 spots from SLU’s 2012 finish and was the Bills’ best showing since tying for second in 2006.
Dayton, the defending regular-season champion, is a slight favorite over A-10 Championship winner La Salle to finish atop the standings. The Flyers received eight first-place votes and 189 points, while the Explorers garnered six first-place votes and 187 points. VCU (143 points) is picked to finish third.
Massachusetts (130 points) is fifth in the preseason poll, followed by George Mason (128), George Washington (110), Richmond (87), Saint Joseph’s (74), St. Bonaventure (71), Duquesne (69), Davidson (59), Rhode Island (43) and Fordham (42).
Wright played every minute a year ago. She helped anchor a backline that turned in five shutouts, all against A-10 opponents. Wright has started 39 consecutive games and 51 of the 54 contests in which she has played.
The Billikens, who return nine starters and nine additional players from their 2013 squad, host Southeast Missouri State Wednesday, Aug. 13, in an exhibition game at Robert R. Hermann Stadium. First whistle is scheduled for 5 p.m. The Bills’ second and final exhibition game is set for Friday, Aug. 15, at Arkansas State.
After opening the regular season with four road contests, Saint Louis welcomes Western Illinois (Friday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m.) and Northwestern (Sunday, Sept. 7, 1 p.m.) to Hermann Stadium to begin its eight-game home schedule.
