CCC 2016 Pre-Season Women's Soccer Coaches' Poll

NEWPORT, R.I. – The Salve Regina University women's soccer team is picked to finish sixth according to a Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) pre-season coaches' poll.

Salve Regina (9-9-1 overall, 4-4-1 CCC) finished fifth in regular season a year ago under then first-year head coach Jane Walsh, now entering her second season at the helm. The Seahawks had been picked 10th (last) in the 2015 pre-season coaches' poll.

Walsh returns a pair of solid goalkeepers both in their second year with the Seahawks – Carly Pala (Milford, Conn.) and Morgan McBrier (North Kingstown, R.I.). "They bring such a presence in goal directing the back line," says Walsh. 

Christine Pala (Milford, Conn.) and Courtney Bouchard (Middleton, Mass.) will hold down the back line in front of McBrier or the younger Pala. Lea Adams (Sandwich, Mass.) anchors the center midfield for the Seahawks who also return leadership with second-year captain Raine Oesterle (Monroe, Conn.). 

Returning the league's rookie of the year and the team's leading goal scorer, Abby McMackin (Walpole, Mass.), Salve Regina will get more offense from this year's crop of newcomers including Ella Rath, Kayla McLaughlin, along with twins Emily and Katie Szemreylo (Marlborough, Conn.).

The Poll:

**Points are awarded based on position selected in the poll. A first place vote is awarded 10 points, a second place vote is nine points, etc.