RICHMOND, VA -- The University of Delaware women’s soccer team received 49 points to finish in a tie for eighth place in the 2007 Colonial Athletic Association Pre-Season Coaches Poll announced by the conference on Thursday.

William & Mary was picked to win the league with 120 points and 10 first place votes, while James Madison was selected second with 100 points and one first place vote. Old Dominion received the other first place vote and placed third with 96 points, followed by UNC Wilmington (90), Hofstra (84), Virginia Commonwealth (77) and Northeastern (62).

Delaware and George Mason each received 49 points to tie for eighth place, ahead of Towson (29), Georgia State (24) and Drexel (12).

The Blue Hens, led by 18th-year head coach Scott Grzenda, return eight starters from last year’s team that went 8-8-3 overall and 3-7-1 in the CAA. Junior midfielder Kasie Shover will pace the Delaware attack after tying for the team lead a year ago with 12 points on five goals and two assists. Sophomore Melissa Kilker (at right) dished out a team-high five assists while adding three goals for 11 points, while senior Alli D’Amico contributed two goals and two assists for six points.

Senior Emily Sammis scored a pair of goals last season, while fellow senior Kendall Lytwynec and junior Lisa Parsons each added a goal and two assists. The Blue Hens also welcome back Caitlyn Germain, Delaware’s leading scorer in 2005 who scored twice in the first three matches last season before missing the remainder of the season with an injury.

Delaware opens its 2007 season on Friday, August 31 with a 5 p.m. match at ACC foe Virginia. The Blue Hens’ home opener will be held on Sunday, September 2 when Delaware hosts Saint Joseph’s at 1 p.m. at the UD Mini-Stadium.

AGATE:

2007 CAA Women’s Soccer Pre-Season Coaches Poll
1. William & Mary (10) - 120
2. James Madison (1) - 100
3. Old Dominion (1) - 96
4. UNC Wilmington - 90
5. Hofstra - 84
6. Virginia Commonwealth - 77
7. Northeastern - 62
T8. Delaware - 49
T8. George Mason - 49
10. Towson - 29
11. Georgia State - 24
12. Drexel - 12