VCU, which returns eight starters from its 13-5-5 squad that went unbeaten in CAA women's regular-season play, has been picked to finish first again in 2006, according to the vote of the conference's 12 coaches.
Defending CAA champion Hofstra was picked second, while James Madison ranked third, followed by perennial power William & Mary, Delaware, Old Dominion, George Mason, UNC Wilmington, Northeastern, Towson, Georgia State and Drexel.
VCU returns a pair of second-team All-CAA performers in sophomore forward Stephanie Power (10 goals) and junior midfielder Hayley Moorwood. Hofstra features junior All-America defender Sue Weber, two-time all-CAA selection Marie Curtin and Irish international Edel Malone, who was the 2005 CAA Rookie of the Year.
OTHER WOMEN'S POLLS:
CAA. For the first time in school history, Long Beach State was selected to win the Big West championship in the 2006 preseason poll of conference head coaches. The 49ers return all 11 starters from last season's team that went 12-5-3. Sophomores Kim Silos and Hayley Bolt lead the 49er attack after netting 17 of the team's 29 goals last season. Sophomore goalkeeper Liz Ramos ranked 22nd in the nation last season with a 0.66 goals-against average. Cal State Fullerton, which reached the round of 16 in the 2005 NCAA Tournament, finished in second place in the poll. The Titans return two-time Big West Goalkeeper of the Year Karen Bardsley. Seniors Lauryn Welch and Erica Janke are also among the four returning starters after receiving all-conference accolades in 2005.
MOUNTAIN WEST. BYU was selected to win the 2006 MWC regular-season championship. The Cougars return all-MWC first-team selection Katie Larkin and second-team selection Bobbi Tillotson. Utah, which won the last year's MWC regular-season title, took second place in the poll. San Diego State was picked to finish third, followed by last year's MWC tournament champion, UNLV, New Mexico, TCU, Wyoming and Air Force.