American Rivers Conference releases women’s soccer preseason coaches’ poll

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- The Simpson women's soccer team was picked eighth in the American Rivers Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, announced earlier this week. Defending conference champion Loras is the favorite to repeat.

First-year head coach Jeremy Reinert and the Storm return 16 letterwinners and eight regular starters from last year's team that went 4-14 overall and 1-7 in the league.

Among the returners is honorable mention all-conference forward Dani Marquez, who is the team's leading reutring point-scorer with eight a year ago. Sophomore forward Cami Schmalz tied Marquez and two other players for the team lead with three goals.

Simpson opens the regular season on the home pitch Friday, Aug. 31 against Westminster (Mo.). Start time is set for 4 p.m. at Buxton Stadium.

2018 American Rivers Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll

1. Loras (15-2-3, 6-0-2)
2. Dubuque (9-4-4, 5-1-2)
3. Central (14-2-3, 5-1-2)
4. Wartburg (10-6-4, 4-1-3)
5. Coe (12-4-3, 4-3-1)
6. Luther (7-10-2, 4-4)
7. Nebraska Wesleyan (5-11-1, 2-6)
8. Simpson (4-14, 1-7)
9. Buena Vista (2-15-1, 0-8)