LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (EYT) – Coming off a two-win season, the Clarion University women’s soccer team is picked 15th out of 17 teams in the PSAC in the preseason coaches poll.
(Photo: Aaliyah Odom. Photo courtesy of Clarion University Athletics)
The Golden Eagles finished 16th last year with a 2-14-2 overall record and a 2-13-1 PSAC Mark. That was a decrease from five wins (5-12-1) in head coach Sean Esterhuizen’s second season – he is starting his fourth this year. The team was 3-11-2 in Esterhuizen’s first season as head coach in 2014 and has never had a winning season since becoming a program in 2001 topping out at six wins (6-13) in 2006.
Top returning players for the Golden Eagles include Marina Kelly and Aaliyah Odom.
Kelly, a midfielder, established herself as a potent offensive threat, leading the team in goals (five) and points (12) in 2016. Odom produced two goals and three assists at the forward position last year, as well.
All told, Clarion will field another young squad in 2017, with 18 players having either freshman or sophomore eligibility.
2017 PSAC Preseason Women’s Soccer Poll
1) West Chester (8)
2) Kutztown (7)
3) East Stroudsburg
4) Gannon (1)
5) Edinboro
6) Bloomsburg
7) Shippensburg
8) Slippery Rock
9) IUP
10) Seton Hill
11) Mercyhurst
12) Millersville
13) Lock Haven
14) California
15) Clarion (1)
16) Mansfield
17) Pitt-Johnstown
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