Mississippi College Named Favorite in Women's Soccer Poll
PRESEASON ALL-GSC |
TOP NEWCOMERS
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Heading into the start of the 2021 season, Mississippi College topped the 2021 Gulf South Conference Women’s Soccer Preseason Coaches’ Poll, announced Wednesday by the conference office.
The Choctaws led the way by receiving 11-of-13 first votes and amassing 167 total points. During the 2019 slate, Mississippi College captured the regular season title with an impressive 12-0 mark in conference action, while finishing 15-3 overall.
Picked second-overall was Lee as it garnered 143 points and one first-place vote, while the 2019 GSC Tournament champion, Montevallo, followed at third with 125 points. Delta State was picked to finish fourth as it received 120 points and one first-place vote. West Florida rounded out the top five with 119 points.
The balance of the preseason rankings saw Valdosta State, West Alabama, Christian Brothers, Alabama Huntsville and West Georgia claim spots five through 10, respectively. Auburn Montgomery was picked at 11, Shorter at 12, Spring Hill at 13 and Union was picked 14th.
In the Preseason All-GSC Team, Mississippi College and Lee each had three players to lead the way, while Valdosta State and Christian Brothers had two representatives apiece.
In the back, the Flames were represented by goalkeeper Jackie Burns and defender Kate Dirkse, while Valdosta State’s Lexie Hall and Bobbie Willis from Christian Brothers filled out defensive unit.
Headlining the midfield corp was three-time first team honoree Anele Komani from West Alabama. In 2019, Komani was among the league leaders in most major categories including assists (7th; 7), goals (15th; 7) and points (12th; 21). Joining her was Kelsey Yoder from Lee as well as Mississippi College’s Avery Hederman and Emily McNair.
Up top, forwards Erin Hederman from Mississippi College, Rachel Howard from Valdosta State and Bailey Tadlock from Christian Brothers were each tabbed. In 2019, Tadlock had 10 goals for the Buccaneers and a league-best 11 assists en route to picking up first team honors.
The official start to the 2021 season is slated for Thursday, Sept. 2 with conference matches set to begin Friday, Sept. 17.
GSC 2021 Women's Soccer Coaches' Poll
| RANK |
SCHOOL |
TOTAL POINTS |
| 1. |
Mississippi College |
167 (11) |
| 2. |
Lee |
143 (1) |
| 3. |
Montevallo |
125 |
| 4. |
Delta State |
120 (1) |
| 5. |
West Florida |
119 |
| 6. |
Valdosta State |
113 |
| 7. |
West Alabama |
94 |
| 8. |
Christian Brothers |
87 |
| 9. |
Alabama Huntsville |
84 |
| 10. |
West Georgia |
67 |
| 11. |
Auburn Montgomery |
64 |
| 12. |
Shorter |
36 |
| 13. |
Spring Hill |
28 |
| 14. |
Union |
27 |
First place votes in parentheses