Aug. 1, 2001
SAN BRUNO, Calif. - Santa Clara University women's soccer team has been picked to finish second in the 2001 West Coast Conference race according a preseason poll of the league's coaches, the conference office announced today.
The Broncos received 45 points overall and three first-place votes in a tally of the conference's eight head coaches. Santa Clara returns six starters from last season's team (16-7-1, 4-3 WCC) that reached the NCAA Quarterfinals. Santa Clara's recruiting class, ranked fourth nationally by Soccer Buzz Magazine, includes four Parade All-Americans. The addition of the talented newcomers, coupled with the senior leadership of three-time All-American Danielle Slaton and the offensive presence of WCC Co-Freshman of the Year Veronica Zepeda, the Broncos are poised for a run at the league title.
One year after making its fifth trip to the women's soccer College Cup, Portland was voted as the favorite to win the WCC title. The Pilots edged Santa Clara by two points for the top position in this year's poll. Returning defensively for Portland is WCC Defender of the Year junior Lauren Orlandos, who will head a Pilots backfield that gave up only nine goals last season.
Loyola Marymount and San Diego tied for third place after ending last season knotted at second in the league standings. Saint Mary's, Pepperdine, San Francisco and Gonzaga round out the poll.
Having advanced to 12 straight NCAA Tournaments, the Santa Clara women's soccer team is looking to make the number 13 lucky once again. The quest to reach a fifth College Cup in six seasons begins August 31, when Cal Poly visits Buck Shaw Stadium at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets may be purchased online by clicking here or by calling the athletic ticket office at 408-554-4660.
WCC Preseason Women's Soccer Poll
| 1. | Portland (5) | 47 |
| 2. | Santa Clara (3) | 45 |
| 3. | Loyola Marymount | 31 |
| San Diego | 31 | |
| 5. | Saint Mary's | 29 |
| 6. | Pepperdine | 19 |
| 7. | San Francisco | 13 |
| 8. | Gonzaga | 9 |
( ) first place votes