Women's soccer picked to finish fifth in MIAA preseason coaches poll

Kansas City, Mo. -- The Missouri Southern women's soccer team has been picked to finish fifth in the 2012 MIAA preseason coaches poll, the league announced today. 

The Lions made it to the championship game of the MIAA Tournament last season before falling to eventual league champion Central Missouri. After starting the season 0-7-1, Southern rebounded to finish the season 9-3. 

Central Missouri was the unanimous choice to defend its title, garnering 12 of the 13 first-place votes (coaches can not vote for their own teams). Preseason national No. 16 Central Oklahoma was picked to finish second, while Truman picked up the other first-place vote and comes in at third. Northwest Missouri was fourth, while Southern, Northeastern State, Fort Hays, Southwest Baptist, Nebraska-Kearney and Lindenwood finish out the top ten. Emporia State, Washburn and Missouri Western round out the poll. 

The Lions start the 2012 season on August 31 at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Kickoff is slated for 5 pm. 

2012 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Missouri (12)        144
2. Central Oklahoma             130
3. Truman (1)                         125
4. Northwest Missouri              96
5. Missouri Southern                94
6. Northeastern State              77
7. Fort Hays State                   74
8. Southwest Baptist               58
9. Nebraska-Kearney              57
10. Lindenwood                       50
11. Emporia State                    46
12. Washburn                          37
13. Missouri Western              26