Rock Hill, S.C. – The Anderson University women's soccer team has been picked to finish eighth, as the 2021 South Atlantic Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll was released by the league office Wednesday morning.

In addition, seniors Erin Cepeda and Madison Paige earned preseason All-SAC second-team honors.

Cepeda started 15-of-16 matches as a forward for the Black and Gold last season. The native of Fort Mill, S.C. scored four goals on the year that included a hat-trick against Coker. Cepeda took a total of 25 shots with 12 coming on goal.

Paige started 15 matches between the posts for The Trojans. The senior goalkeeper logged over 1200 minutes, recorded 73 saves and one shutout.

The Trojans finished 7-9 overall during the 2019 campaign. Anderson won three matches in the opening month, including two wins over Peach Belt Conference opponents. The Black and Gold defeated four teams in October, including the eventual SAC Tournament Champion. After advancing to post season play, AU dropped a tough 2-0 decision in the SAC quarterfinals to second-seeded Wingate.

The Black and Gold's roster features one graduate student, eight seniors, seven juniors, six sophomores and eight freshmen. With the veteran's leadership across all positions on the field and the talent of the newcomers, the team is set up to have a great season.

"We are excited for the opportunity to compete this season and look forward to playing games again," said head coach Sarah Jacobs. "The team put in a lot of work over the fall, and I am eager for the chance to see our efforts pay off. The conference "pod" format will provide a unique home-and-away experience, and I believe our team can compete to finish at the top of our group."  

"We know this season may look different, but we are ready for the challenge," said Jacobs. "This team is a fantastic group of players and people to lead. Our seniors will provide great leadership and experience to complement our young energy and talent. We can't wait to step on the field in February for the first time in over a year and work towards our goal of winning a conference championship!"

Wingate has been selected as the South Atlantic Conference favorite for the 2020-21 women's soccer season, the league office announced today.

The Bulldogs were picked first after receiving seven first-place nods and 127 overall points. Wingate finished the 2019 season with a record of 15-5-2 overall, advancing to the NCAA Division II Southeast Region final.

Lenoir-Rhyne was tabbed No. 2 in the poll with five first place votes and 124 overall points. In 2019, the Bears went 15-4, earning a berth into the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional.

Carson-Newman was picked third in the preseason poll after finishing the 2019 season with a record of 10-6-1 overall and 7-2-1 in conference play. The Eagles garnered 96 points.

Catawba claimed the fourth-spot in the preseason rankings with 90 points. The Catawba Indians went 11-4-3 overall and 6-1-3 in SAC action last season.

Lincoln Memorial and Limestone tied for the No. 5 spot in the poll, collecting 71 points each.

Queens sits in seventh with 70 points, Anderson is No. 8 with 64 points, and Newberry collected the No. 9 spot with 49 points.

Tusculum, Mars Hill, and Coker round out the preseason poll. Tusculum earned the No. 10 spot with 47 points. Mars Hill was tabbed eleventh with 28 points and Coker takes the No. 12 spot with 22 points.

Anderson will open its season at Furman on Feb. 9^th, with its first home match on Feb. 14^th against The Citadel. Kick-off vs the Bulldogs is slated for 1 pm.

WOMEN'S SOCCER

2020-21 SAC Women's Soccer PRESEASON COACHES' POLL

2020-21 SAC Women's Soccer Preseason All-Conference

First Team

F – Emilee Futrell, Carson-Newman

F – Jessica Cravero, Lincoln Memorial

F – Nia Gaither, Queens

F – Sanne Martinsen, Mars Hill

MF – Jovana Sanchez, Catawba

MF – McKenna DeLong, Wingate

MF – Kristina Markfort, Carson-Newman

MF – Neve Duston, Lenoir-Rhyne

D – Chandler Hendrix, Wingate

D – Katie Beck, Catawba

D – Aleisha Cruwys, Lenoir-Rhyne

D – Kristen DeBiase, Wingate

GK – Erica Turner, Queens

Second Team

F – Erin Cepeda, Anderson

F – Kaitlyn Cox, Wingate

F – Maddie Capel, Catawba

F – Emma Rose Stockton, Queens

MF – Jacqueline Aldrete, Newberry

MF – Lulu Phan, Queens

MF – Selina Boveleth, Limestone

MF – Jess LaFrancis, Wingate

D – Kenzie Ellenburg, Tusculum

D – Ria Acton, Lenoir-Rhyne

D – Carly Veit, Wingate

D – Jente Kuper, Carson-Newman

GK – Madison Paige, Anderson