Argos picked second in GSC women's soccer preseason coaches' poll
Three Argonauts earn spots on Preseason All-GSC Team
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The West Florida women’s soccer team was picked to finish second in the Gulf South Conference preseason coaches’ poll released on Thursday. Defending GSC champion North Alabama edged UWF for the top spot, as the Lions earned five first place votes and the Argonauts three.
UNA totaled 47 points in the poll with five first place and two second place votes. The Argos were second at 44, while Valdosta State came in third (34) and Alabama-Huntsville fourth (31).
The GSC also announced its preseason all-conference team, which included three Argonauts. Defenders Daniela Cruz (San Jose, Costa Rica/University of Costa Rica) and Rachel Cutts (Pace, Fla./Ole Miss) earned the honor, along with midfielder Monica Malavassi (San Jose, Costa Rica/Methodist HS).
Cruz and Cutts were leaders for the UWF defense in 2011, as the Argonauts gave up just 1.0 goals and 8.9 shots per game. Cutts started all 18 games and led the team with 1,668 minutes played, while Cruz started 12 games. Both players earned All-GSC honors in 2011.
Malavassi returns for her senior year, and she has been a key player for the Argos in her three years. The Costa Rica native is a two-time All-GSC pick, as well as an All-America honorable mention selection in 2010. In her three years, Malavassi has totaled 17 goals, 22 assists and 56 points.
In addition to the Preseason All-GSC Team, the league distributed its list of top newcomers from each team. UWF had two players on the list, and both were goalkeepers. Emily Grammer comes to UWF from Mosley High School near Panama City, Fla., and Sami Lewin from Viera High School in Viera, Fla. Both players hope to compete for time at goalkeeper in 2012.
The Argonauts will start their season on the road with a pair of games in Dahlonega, Ga., first facing Mount Olive on Sep. 1 and then Belmont Abbey on Sep. 3. The 2012 home opener will be against Sunshine State Conference rival Rollins on Sept. 7, followed by a Sept. 9 meeting with Florida Southern. GSC play will open on Sept. 14 at Union University in Jackson, Tenn., one of two provisional members in the GSC in 2012.
For information on all UWF athletics, visit www.GoArgos.com.
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