Aug. 6, 2009

The Santa Clara women's soccer team has been picked to finish third in the West Coast Conference preseason coaches poll. In addition, Bronco seniors Kiki Bosio, Katherine Reynolds and Dani Potts were all named to the preseason WCC all-conference team.

The Broncos, who bring back 10 seniors with the WCC's top recruiting class, are looking for their 20th NCAA Tournament bid this season, having made in the College Cup 10 times during that span. They open on Fri., Aug. 21 at San Jose State at 7 pm before returning home on Sun, Aug. 23 to host UC Santa Barbara at 1 pm in Buck Shaw Stadium in the home season opener.

"There is a really different energy on our practice field than we've had the past couple years. We are positive, we are optimistic and we are deep and talented," said veteran head coach Jerry Smith, who begins his 23rd year at the Bronco helm. "We signed a very good class in the off-season and it's good to be able to see them up close and personal on the practice field. We finished last spring with a really good attitude and are really looking forward to this season.

"Early on we are just focusing on the work of the preseason. In our last week of preseason practice, we will start to look toward the match at San Jose State (Aug. 21)," continued Smith. "We have a nice mix of talented returners and very experienced players with 10 seniors. I really like what I am seeing from the group right now."

Reynolds, a 2008 All-WCC first team selection and second-team selection in 2007, returns for her senior year after starting 20 matches last season, adding 10 points.

Potts, another senior who has received All-WCC honors during her Bronco career (2006 honorable mention), started and played in 19 contests last season at central defense.

Bosio, a senior forward who started 14 matches last season before falling to injury, was a first-team All-WCC selection in 2006 and `07. She tallied 20 points her sophomore year in 2007 after scoring 14 points her freshman year when she was named to the WCC All-Freshman team as well.

The WCC coaches preseason poll follows.

2009 WCC Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Portland - 49 (7)

2. San Diego - 41

3. Santa Clara - 38 (1)

4. Pepperdine - 29

5. Loyola Marymount - 28

6. Gonzaga - 16

7. San Francisco - 12

8. Saint Mary's - 10