SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference announced its preseason coaches poll today, August 8, along with the preseason all-conference team. Elon was selected sixth in the poll, while sophomore goalie Kate Murphy picked up preseason all-league honors.
 
Murphy had a solid rookie season in 2011, going 6-5-1 overall (5-1-1 in SoCon play) with a .80 goals against average. Murphy ended the season with three shutouts and 52 saves.
 
Samford was selected as the preseason favorite with 120 points and 10 first-place votes. The Bulldogs were followed by College of Charleston, Furman, UNCG, Davidson, Elon, Georgia Southern, Western Carolina, The Citadel, Appalachian State, Wofford and Chattanooga.
 
Elon begins the 2012 season at home on August 17 when it hosts Cincinnati at Rudd Field.

2012 Women’s Soccer Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1. Samford (10)                                  120
2. College of Charleston (1)               106
3. Furman (1)                                      97
4. UNCG                                             88
5. Davidson                                         80
6. Elon                                                 77
7. Georgia Southern                            53
8. Western Carolina                             50
9. The Citadel                                      44
10. Appalachian State                         37
11. Wofford                                          28
12. Chattanooga                                  12
 
() denotes first-place votes
 
2012 Women’s Soccer Preseason All-Conference Team
F       Vanessa Aponte, The Citadel
F       Becca Fisher, Davidson
F       Martha Hall, Furman
F       Becca Smith, Chattanooga
MF    Sarah Schaidle, College of Charleston
MF    Mariana Garcia, The Citadel
MF    Michelle Moll, Samford
D       Ali Simpson, Furman
D       Cat Barnekow, UNCG
D       Sabbath McKiernan-Allen, Samford
GK    Kate Murphy, Elon