Moon Township, Pa.?The Robert Morris University women's soccer team has been selected to finish eighth in the Northeast Conference (NEC) in 2007 according to a preseason poll of the conference coaches. The Colonials finished the 2006 campaign 6-13 overall and finished fourth in the NEC with a 2-7 record.

Head coach John Kowalski, entering his seventh season at the helm of the women's program, has eight starters and 14 letterwinners returning from a season ago. Included among those are 2006 points leader sophomore Daneen Stevenato (North York, Ontario / Newtonbrook) and starting senior netminder Jessica Onufer (Butler, Pa. / Butler).

Stevenato used her speed at forward to lead the team in scoring with nine points on three goals and three assists.  Onufer is the top three in every major career record for Robert Morris goaltenders. Last season, she posted a 1.54 goals against average and a .803 save percentage while compiling a 5-11 record.

In addition to Onufer and Stevenato, seven other starters return to the lineup. In the midfield, seniors Kathryn Kirkpatrick (Johnstown, Pa. / Westmont Hilltop) and Taryn Reichard (Harrisburg, Pa. / Central Dauphin) return along with sophomore Chelsea Miazgowicz (Crescent Township, Pa. / Moon). The Colonials defensive corps returns nearly intact with senior Heather Niznik (Fonthill, Ontario / E.L. Crossley) and juniors Brenda Sasu (Gaithersburg, Md. / Quince Orchard) and Jessica Weary (Enola, Pa. / East Pennsboro) anchoring the backline.

RMU opens their 2007 campaign Friday, Aug. 31, when they host Alabama at 5:30 p.m. at North Athletic Complex.

2007 Northeast Conference Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Long Island (3)
2. Monmouth (4)
3. Central Connecticut State (3)
4. Saint Francis (Pa.)
5. Sacred Heart
6. Quinnipiac
7. Fairleigh Dickinson
8. Robert Morris
9. Wagner
10. Mount St. Mary's