LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – West Chester University’s men’s soccer squad was picked second in the PSAC Eastern Division preseason poll released Tuesday by the league.
West Chester (11-10, 9-7 PSAC) garnered one first-place nod in the preseason rankings, however, it was not enough to overcome defending PSAC champion East Stroudsburg in the polls. The Warriors, were picked first on the strength of the other five first-place votes.
With the addition of two new members into the PSAC, the conference has split into two separate divisions for the first time in 15 years. The conference last competed in East and West divisions in 1992.
The Golden Rams were slotted ahead of Millersville, who finished third – one spot ahead of West Chester – in last year’s final standings. Bloomsburg came in fourth with Shippensburg and Kutztown, fifth and sixth, respectively.
Gannon was picked to win the West in its inaugural season in the PSAC. The Knights garnered two first-place votes, coming in ahead of Lock Haven, who picked up one first-place tally. The Bald Eagles were runners-up to East Stroudsburg a year ago. Fellow newcomer, Mercyhurst also picked up two first-place votes, but was picked to finish third. California and Slippery Rock were tied for fourth.
If West Chester is to live up to its high billing in the preseason, head coach Kendall Walkes knows that his Rams will have their work cut out for them. In addition to playing ESU twice, West Chester must travel to both Gannon and Lock Haven while meeting Mercyhurst at home. The Golden Rams do not play Cal or Slippery Rock in the regular season.
Eastern Division
1. East Stroudsburg (5)
2. West Chester (1)
3. Millersville
4. Bloomsburg
5. Shippensburg
6. Kutztown
Western Division
1. Gannon (2)
2. Lock Haven (1)
3. Mercyhurst (2)
T4. California
T4. Slippery Rock
