Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State Picked Second in WAC Preseason Poll
8/4/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 4, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State was selected to finish second in the Western Athletic Conference as determined by the league's head coaches. The Bulldogs, received one first place vote and tallied 40 points, nine behind first place Hawai'i.
"It is always an honor for our program and our players to be recognized by the coaches within the conference. To be voted as the preseason number two team in the conference is great," said Head Coach Steve Springthorpe. "We look forward to the upcoming season and trying to get back to the top of the conference and hopefully to get another chance at playing for the conference championship in November."
The `Dogs ended the 2007 season in a tie for second place and lost a tough match against Hawai'i at the WAC tournament championship. Fresno State returns six starters, three of which earned All-WAC honors last season.
The preseason All-WAC team was also announced with midfielder Ali Sill and defender Selena Gill earning honors. Sill, a three time All-WAC selection led the team in assists with nine. Gill was a part of the defense that recorded 10 shutouts last season.
"I am happy for Selena and Ali. They have both worked very hard the last few years to improve themselves individually and they have helped our program move in a positive direction the last couple of years," said Springthorpe. "For the both of them to be selected as preseason All-WAC is a wonderful honor for them and our program."
The rest of the list rounds out with Utah State in third with 37 points, and Boise State in fourth place with 30 points. Nevada, San Jose State, Idaho and Louisiana Tech were picked five through eight to complete the preseason predicitions.
Hawai'i forward Ambree Ako was named WAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, while defenders Lindsey Smart of Utah State and Tehane Higa of Hawai'i share the honors of WAC Preseason Defensive Co-Players of the Year.
Fresno State opens practice on August 5 and plays an exhibition game against Fresno Pacific on August 16 at Bulldog Stadium. The Bulldogs open regular season play on Friday, August 22, in San Francisco against the Dons.
"Join the State, Fresno State! Bulldog Soccer opens the 2008 season with an exhibition match against cross-town rival Fresno Pacific on Saturday, August 16th at 7:00 pm in Bulldog Stadium. Be sure to purchase your Family and Friends Flex Pack which includes 40 general admission tickets (4 for each home game) to be used as you please for $89 by logging on to www.gobulldogs.com and visiting the tickets page, calling the Bulldog Ticket Office at (559) 278-DOGS, or stopping by the Bulldog Ticket Office.
2008 Coaches' Poll Team (1st place votes) Points
1. Hawai'i (7) 49
2. Fresno State (1) 40
3. Utah State 37
4. Boise State 30
5. Nevada 28
6. San Jose State 18
7. Idaho 14
8. Louisiana Tech 8
2008 Preseason All-WAC Team
Ambree Ako, F, Hawai'i, Jr.
Randi Baker, MF, Boise State, Sr.
Taryn Fukuroku, F, Hawai'i, Sr.
Selena Gill, D, Fresno State, Sr.
Tehane Higa, D, Hawai'i, Sr.
Kory Lu, GK, Hawai'i, Sr.
Nicole Mikula, D, Hawai'i, So.
Miranda Montejo, MF, Nevada, Sr.
Shannon Saxton, F, Boise State, So.
Alison Sill, MF, Fresno State, Sr.
Lindsey Smart, D, Utah State, Jr.
Preseason Players of the Year
Offensive: Ambree Ako, F, Hawai'i, Jr.
Co-Defensive: Lindsey Smart, D, Utah State, Jr. and Tehane Higa, D, Hawai'i, Sr.
