Women's Soccer Tops GNAC Preseason Coaches Poll
The Lasell College women's soccer team was picked first in the GNAC Coaches poll as they look to win their fourth straight conference title.
NEWTON, MASS. (8/27/13) - The Lasell College women's soccer team was voted as the preseason favorite by the Great Northeast Athletic Conference coaches heading into the 2013 season. The Lasers have captured the last three GNAC championships earning the league's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament three years running. Lasell became the first women's soccer team in GNAC history to win a game in the NCAA tournament with their 3-1 defeat of Amherst College in 2012.
Lasell returns 15 members of their squad from a year ago, including six of their top eight goal scorer's from a year ago. Lasell graduated captains Reegan Brackett and Mary Farley from their midfield a year ago, along with midfielders Courtney Callanan and Emily Machado, outside back MaryKate Dunphy and goalkeeper Ashley Parelli. The six seniors combined for 89 starts during the 2012 season, and Lasell will be relying on the maturation of last year's freshmen class and contributions from a variety of freshmen to help replace the experience of the departing class of 2012.
Lasell will open their 2013 campaign in a tournament against SUNY Purchase and Alfred University in a kick-off tournament at Rowan University. The Lasers 2013 non-conference slate will also include a rematch against Brandeis University who ended the Lasell NCAA run in the second round a year ago. Aside from the home game against the Judges, Lasell will host Endicott College and Coast Guard, and will conclude their regular season schedule with a visit to Rhode Island College.