Soccer Picked Eighth in Preseason Big 12 Poll

Aug. 11, 2010

IRVING, Texas –

Kansas women’s soccer was picked to finish the upcoming 2010 campaign in eighth place in the Big 12 Conference, as announced this morning by the conference office.

The Jayhawks received 45 points in the coaches’ poll, putting them behind Colorado (54 points) and ahead of Baylor (29 points). Texas A&M is being touted as the preseason winners, receiving 95 points and eight first-place votes. Nebraska, Missouri and defending champ Oklahoma State each received one first-place vote as well.

Last season, KU went 12-8-2 overall and 4-6 in Big 12 play, ending the season in a seventh-place tie. Now in his 12th year as head coach, Mark Francis comes into this season having guided his team to a winning record in eight of his 11 seasons and has compiled a 129-86-17 record at KU.

The Jayhawks return eight starters and 21 letterwinners this season. Highlighting the 2010 squad will be forwards Emily Cressy and Whitney Berry and a veteran back line led by seniors Lauren Jackson, Geneva Magness and Caitlin Noble.

The first test will come Sunday afternoon when KU hosts Creighton in an exhibition match. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. at the Jayhawk Soccer Complex. The season will officially begin Aug. 27, when KU opens 2010 at home against Eastern Kentucky.

2010 Big 12 Soccer Preseason Poll

Rank School Name Points
1. Texas A&M (8) 95
2. Nebraska (1) 73
3. Missouri (1) 69
4. Oklahoma State (1) 68
5. Texas 67
6. Texas Tech 61
7. Colorado 54
8. KANSAS 45
9. Baylor 29
10. Oklahoma 28
11. Iowa State 16