Bloomsburg University Women's Soccer Ranked Third in PSAC Poll

BLOOMSBURG, PA - The Bloomsburg University women's soccer team is picked to finish third in the Eastern Division of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) pre-season poll.

Bloomsburg finished third in the 2007 season with a 7-7-4 PSAC record after falling to East Stroudsburg 1-0 in the playoffs. The team returns a strong core of experienced players, while welcoming several new talented individuals.

Among the returning players for the Huskies are two All-PSAC center-backs, Eileen Alexander (East Northport, NY/Commack) and Kristine Preski (Philadelphia, PA/Owen J. Roberts), who will make for a tough defense. Alexander is a complete player with great decision making ability who, when in command of the backline, takes charge vocally. Preski is coming off a strong freshman season and will provide leadership on the backline.

Midfield returners will be All-PSAC junior Kelly Modes (Langhorne, PA/Neshaminy) who has a strong left foot, endurance, and toughness. First team All-PSAC performer Lauren Hess (East Greenville, PA/Upper Perkiomen) also returns in the midfield and plays an important role in controlling the air game and providing goals in crucial situations. Controlling the center -midfield will be sophomore Ali McCrossin (Philadelphia, PA/Little Flower) who is very smart tactically and composed on the ball.

Senior captain Ashley Brucker (Blairstown, NJ/North Warren) returns her leadership to the front line. Bruckner is a very physical player, is strong in the air, and is known for the leadership she brings to the program. All-PSAC sophomore Meg Donlon (Randolph, NJ/Randolph) led the team in goals last season and has a natural nose for the goal and makes things happen every time in the attacking line. Brucker and Donlon will work with a strong group of sophomore and junior veterans who provide scoring punch and two freshmen who will also compete for playing time in the frontline.

Bloomsburg opens its season on the road at Mansfield University at 4:00p.m. on September 3, 2008.

-BU KS-