Full WCC Release
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara women's soccer was picked to finish in second place in the West Coast Conference by the league's coaches. The No. 21 Broncos amassed 71 points in the poll, behind BYU's 80. The Broncos also got two first place votes to the Cougars' eight.
The Broncos look to return to the top of the conference for the first time since 2013. Last season they finished just two points away from the top spot. Santa Clara has finished in the top three in league play in six of the last eight years and 13 of the last 16.
"We're in a tough conference so we're very happy to be picked in the top half," Santa Clara head coach Jerry Smith said. "We've always had great battles with BYU and last year we played to a tie. When we get to that stretch of the season our focus will be on doing the right things to put ourselves in a position to win the conference. We know we'll have a number of great battles and we're looking forward to preparing for that opportunity."
Senior Julie Vass and junior Kellie Peay were also among 12 student-athletes named to the Preseason All-WCC team.
Vass was named First Team All-West Region and First Team All-WCC last year and was honored as All-WCC honorable mention and Freshman All-WCC in 2013. She led the team last season with eight goals and 17 points while starting all 22 games.
Peay was Second Team All-West Region in 2015 and Second Team All-WCC. She started all 22 games for the Broncos and scored two goals to go with one assist while anchoring the back line.
"We're really happy for Julie Vass and Kellie Peay," Smith said. "Those are two very deserving candidates and our two team captains. It's great to have our leaders also recognized for their great playing ability. We also hope to have some emerging candidates for the postseason all-conference team as well."
Santa Clara faces Seattle in an exhibition Aug. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Stevens Stadium before opening the regular season Aug. 19 at 7:30 p.m. vs. No. 11 USC at home.
2016 WCC Preseason Women's Soccer Coaches Poll
|
Team (First Place Votes) |
Pts. |
|
1. No. 16 BYU (8) |
80 |
|
2. No. 21 Santa Clara (2) |
71 |
|
3. Pepperdine |
56 |
|
4. No. 25 Loyola Marymount |
52 |
|
5. San Francisco |
50 |
|
T6. Portland |
44 |
|
T6. San Diego |
44 |
|
8. Saint Mary's |
24 |
|
9. Gonzaga |
19 |
|
10. Pacific |
10 |
2016 All-WCC Preseason Women's Soccer Team
|
Name |
Institution |
Yr. |
Pos. |
|
Jacqueline Altschuld |
San Diego |
Sr. |
D/M |
|
Hannah Diaz |
Saint Mary's |
Jr. |
F |
|
Nadia Gomes |
BYU |
Jr. |
F |
|
Ashley Hatch |
BYU |
Sr. |
F |
|
Elena Medeiros |
BYU |
Sr. |
M |
|
Jessica Nakae |
San Francisco |
Sr. |
M |
|
Santa Clara |
Jr. |
D |
|
|
Alli Schaffer |
San Francisco |
Sr. |
D |
|
Santa Clara |
Sr. |
M |
|
|
Michele Murphy Vasconcelos |
BYU |
Jr. |
F/M |
|
Bri Visalli |
Pepperdine |
Jr. |
M/F |
|
Allison Wetherington |
Portland |
Sr. |
M |
