Conference

PDF Version

Ogden, Utah (August 12, 2009) - The Big Sky Conference coaches have selected Weber State as the favorite to win the 2009 soccer championship.

The Wildcats won the regular season title last season, only to be beat on their own pitch by Northern Arizona in the Big Sky Championship match. Even without four time All-Conference selection Hayley McCoy, the coaches think that Weber State returns enough talent to win the conference title. Weber State received six of the eight first-place votes for a near unanimous selection. Coaches could not vote for their own team.

Northern Arizona was not far behind, collecting the last two first-place votes, 40 points total. The Lumberjacks come into the season with 10 returning starters from the last season championship squad, including 2008 Newcomer of the Year Jenna Samora. Samora finished her freshman season with 16 points and seven goals. Placing her third in conference in points and tied for second in goals.

Last season’s favorite, Sacramento State, looks to rebound from missing the conference tournament last season. Before 2008, the Hornets had made three straight appearances in the postseason. The coaches think the Hornets will return to the tournament and voted them third with 38 points.

Montana, Portland State, Northern Colorado, Idaho State, and Eastern Washington round out the poll. Both Montana and Portland State were conference tournament participants in 2008.

The first conference matches are slated for Oct. 8. The top four teams from the regular season will advance to the Big Sky Championship Nov. 5 & 8 at the site of the regular-season champion.

Complete results of the poll are below. A first-place vote was worth seven points, a second-place vote worth six points, etc.

2009 Big Sky Soccer
Preseason Coaches Poll
School (First-Place Votes) Points

1. Weber State (6) 48
2. Northern Arizona (2) 40
3. Sacramento State 38
4. Montana 28
5. Portland State 27
6. Northern Colorado 20
7. Idaho State 15
8. Eastern Washington 8