Fresno State Athletics
`Dogs Picked To Finish Fifth
8/6/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 6, 2010
FRESNO, Calif. - The Western Athletic Conference released their annual coaches poll and Fresno State soccer was selected to finish the 2010 season in fifth place. The Bulldogs received a total of 35 points.
"We have a lot to prove this season," said head coach Brian Zwaschka. "We play in a good conference and several of the teams have shown that they are capable of being in the top three. The goal is to win the WAC regular season and tournament. The preseason poll does not affect that. The team and I look forward to seeing how this plays out."
Utah State was picked to finish first in the upcoming season. The Aggies earned three first place votes and totaled 59 points. Defending WAC Tournament champions Boise State were picked to finish the year in second place. The Broncos received six first place votes and totaled 58 points.
Also, ranked above the Bulldogs were San Jose State and Nevada. The Bulldogs finished the 2009 season 4-4 in league play and 6-13 overall.
The WAC also announced the 2010 Preseason All-WAC selections with Kendall VanDine and Kaitlyn Revel earning preseason honors. Boise State led WAC teams with three preseason all-conference selections.
"I am pleased for Kendall and Kaitlyn to receive this early recognition for their performances to date," said Zwaschka. "I know the WAC coaches see the stability and leadership impact these players bring to our squad which garnered their votes. Both these young ladies take pride in their responsibilities and continue to give unselfishly to the team. They help set the standard here with an unrelenting desire to perform well and win."
Fresno State and Nevada each had two honorees, while Hawai`i, Idaho, San Jose State and Utah State each had one representative.
The 2010 WAC season is set to kickoff Aug. 21 with all nine teams in action. The WAC Soccer Tournament heads to Lady Techster Soccer Field in Ruston, Louisiana after playing the 2009 Championship in Boise. The six-team tournament will be held November 4-7.
2010 Coaches' Poll
Team (1st place votes)
1. Utah State (3)
2. Boise State (6)
3. San Jose State
4. Nevada
5. Fresno State
6. Hawai`i
7. Idaho
8. New Mexico State
9. Louisiana Tech
2010 Preseason All-WAC Team
Shannon Saxton, Sr., F, Boise State
Chelsea Small, So., F, Idaho
Natalie Ratnavira, Jr., F, Nevada
Shantel Flanary, Jr., F, Utah State
Brandy Hickox, Jr., MF, Boise State
Mari Punzal, Sr., MF, Hawai`i
Jill Erickson, Sr., MF, Nevada
Lindsay Roberts, Jr., D, Boise State
Kendall VanDine, Jr., D, Fresno State
Jessica Ingram, Jr., D, San Jose State
Kaitlyn Revel, Sr., GK, Fresno State
Preseason Players of the Year
Offensive: Shantel Flanary, Jr., F, Utah State
Defensive: Jessica Ingram, Jr., D, San Jose State
"We Are Your Team!" Bulldog Soccer opens the 2010 season with the Red/White Scrimmage on Aug. 10 at 5 p.m. on the practice field located behind Beiden Field. Fresno State kicks off the season on the road against Pepperdine on Aug. 20 at 3:00 p.m.
