Aug. 11, 2016
AUBURN, Ala. - The Auburn University women's soccer team was picked third in the Southeastern Conference's annual preseason coaches' poll, announced by the league office on Thursday.
The Tigers received 141 points based on a point system ranging from one to 13, with each coach not allowed to vote for their own squad.
Florida took the top spot after receiving 10 of the 14 first-place votes with Texas A&M predicted to finish second.
Auburn is one of five league teams that are ranked in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Preseason Rankings. The Tigers currently sit at No. 12 and are joined by No. 7 Florida, No. 8 Texas A&M, No. 22 Ole Miss and No. 24 South Carolina.
Auburn returns 80 percent of its points from a season ago with the lethal Casie Ramsier (28 points) and Brooke Ramsier (17 points) leading the charge offensively.
On defense, senior Kiana Clarke is slated to captain the back line with goalkeeper Sarah Le Beau back for her second campaign between the posts.
The 24th season of women's soccer in the SEC begins August 19.
Preseason Coaches' Poll
(First-Place Votes in Parentheses)
Florida - 165 (10)
Texas A&M - 154 (4)
Auburn - 141
South Carolina - 135
LSU - 108
Missouri - 105
Kentucky - 98
Ole Miss - 85
Tennessee - 84
Vanderbilt - 56
Georgia - 52
Arkansas - 35
Alabama - 29
Mississippi State - 27