Full Poll

Moon Township, Pa. - The Robert Morris University women's soccer team was selected to finish eighth in the 2014 Northeast Conference Women's Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll. Saint Francis University is the league favorite to defend their 2013 title.

The Red Flash received three of the nine first-place votes. LIU Brooklyn is second in the poll with two first-place votes followed by Central Connecticut State with three first-place nods. Fairleigh Dickinson recieved the remaining top vote and is fourth in the poll. Wagner is fifth followed by Sacred Heart, Bryant, Robert Morris and Mount St. Mary's.

The Colonials returners are highlighted by All-NEC selection and junior Kristie Hamilton. The central midfielder led the team in assists (5) and points (13). Hamilton is one of 11 returning starters. Joining Hamilton is junior forward Madison Kozlowski who finished her sophomore campaign with four goals and two assists for 10 points. Sophomore Antonia Grese scored three goals as a rookie and will return on the attack.

Juniors Lauren Pietrowski, Lauren Sulkowski and Francesca are back to bolster the midfield after combining for eight points in 2013. The backline is anchored by Melissa Ercoli, Brittany Rowe and Theresa Laux who helped record five shutouts. 

Juniors Becky Schoenecker and Chelsea de Jager both return in goal where they split time in 2013. Schoenecker posted a 3-6-1 mark with a 1.26 goals against average and a .806 save percentage. de Jager was 2-2-3 with marks of 1.38 and .727.

The Colonials went 5-9-4 overall and 1-4-3 in the NEC last season. 

2014 NEC Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Saint Francis U (3)
2. LIU Brooklyn (2)
3. Central Connecticut (3)
4. Fairleigh Dickinson (1)
5. Wagner
6. Sacred Heart
7. Bryant
8. Robert Morris
9. Mount St. Mary's