NATCHITOCHES – Heightened expectations surrounding the Northwestern State soccer team and its recent success have left a lasting impact on Southland Conference pundits.
The Lady Demons were tied for second place in the Jostens® SLC preseason poll with 55 points, including two first-place votes. Incarnate Word tied NSU for the second spot.
Defending SLC Tournament champion Southeastern Louisiana stands atop the poll with 70 points and 10 first-place votes.
NSU capped a remarkable 2020 season tied for second in conference standings for the second straight season, opening league play on a four-match win streak.
The Lady Demons return all but one starter, including the entirety of its back line from 2020, which toppled a number of program records in a COVID-19 shortened season.
Six Lady Demons were selected to the SLC preseason all-conference team announced Monday. The defense was represented by goalkeeper
Acelya Aydogmus and defenders
Hallie Field,
Nicole Henry and
Natalee Henry. The offense boasted midfielder
Kalee Williams and forward
Olivia Draguicevich.
NSU opens the coach
Stuart Gore era with an exhibition match at Little Rock on Saturday at 3 p.m. Conference play opens on Sept. 6 against Southeastern Louisiana.
2021 Southland Preseason Poll
| School (First-place votes) |
Total |
| 1. Southeastern (10) |
70 |
| t-2. UIW (2) |
55 |
| t-2. Northwestern State (2) |
55 |
| 4. McNeese |
42 |
| 5. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi |
38 |
| 6. HBU |
22 |
| 7. Nicholls |
12 |
