LOWELL, MA (Aug. 15, 2007) – The UMass Lowell women’s soccer team, fresh off its second straight NCAA Tournament appearance, came in at No. 24 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Division II Preseason Coaches Poll, released Wednesday.

The River Hawks, who posted a 10-5-4 clip last season (10-3-1 in the Northeast-10 Conference), is one of four NE-10 schools in the poll. Franklin Pierce (18-3-1, 12-2-0 NE-10) is ranked No. 7 while Saint Rose (17-3-1, 12-1-1) is at No. 14 and Bryant (15-8-1, 9-4-1) was among a handful of schools receiving votes.

“Being named among top teams in the country is flattering,” said Head Coach Elie Monteiro, entering his sixth season. “However, preseason polls are speculative. We are more interested in where we’ll be come November.”

UML returns six starters from the 2006 squad which earned its second straight trip to the NCAA Tournament where it drew 1-1 at host Franklin Pierce before falling in penalty kicks.

Highlighting the list of veterans is senior Tanekar Alexander (West Warwick, RI), who led UML with seven goals last season; and sophomore goalkeeper Jamie Gillis (North Billerica, MA). Also back are junior midfielder Grace Larsen (Newburyport, MA) and senior defender Katelyn Campopiano (Chelmsford, MA).

UML opens the season with five straight matches away from home, beginning with the Holy Family University Classic Aug. 24-25 where it will face Philadelphia University and the host school. The River Hawks then play in the Southern New Hampshire Sept. 1-3 against Bridgeport (receiving NSCAA poll votes) and No. 21 New Haven before visiting Merrimack on Sept. 5 in its NE-10 opener.

UML opens at home on Sept. 8 against American International.