Sangamon Sun

The Illinois College women's soccer team has been projected to finish fourth in the 2024 Midwest Conference (MWC) women's soccer preseason poll, as announced by the league today.

The Lady Blues accumulated 38 points following a 7-9-2 season that included a 2-4-2 record in conference play. The team will return its top six scorers from last year: Olivia Ralston, Haley Sommer, Erin O'Connell, Darian Blackburn, Kayla Piper, and Lauren Sinclair. Together, they contributed a total of 70 points. Goalkeeper Sophia Kriegesmann also returns after starting 12 of the team's 13 matches last season.

Lake Forest College secured the top position with five first-place votes and a total of 61 points. Last season, Lake Forest won both the regular season and tournament titles, achieving their seventh MWC championship and fourth MWC tournament crown.

Grinnell College and Lawrence University each received two first-place votes, placing second and third respectively. The Pioneers earned 56 points while the Vikings garnered 53 points.

Following Illinois College in fifth place is Monmouth College with 34 points. Ripon College ranked sixth with 29 points.

Beloit College placed seventh with 27 points. Cornell College and Knox College tied for eighth place with 13 points each.

The new season begins on Friday, August 30, with seven teams participating in non-conference games. MWC play starts on Saturday, September 28.

The MWC Women's Soccer Tournament is set for November 8-9, where the league's top four teams will compete on the campus of the highest seed for an automatic qualifier to the NCAA Tournament.

2024 MWC Women's Soccer Preseason Poll Results:

1. Lake Forest College (5) – 61 points

2. Grinnell College (2) – 56 points

3. Lawrence University (2) – 53 points

4. Illinois College – 38 points

5. Monmouth College – 34 points

6. Ripon College – 29 points

7. Beloit College – 27 points

T8. Cornell College – 13 points

T8. Knox College – 13 points

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