WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - Entering its first season in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), the Monmouth University women's soccer team was selected third in the MAAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, while forward Dana Costello (Jackson, N.J./Jackson Memorial), midfielder Alexandra Baca (Bridgewater, N.J./Bridgewater-Raritan) and back Alexa Freguletti (Mahwah, N.J./Mahwah) were named to the Preseason All-MAAC Team.

"As a first-year member of the MAAC to be selected near the top is a credit to the success we achieved in our former league," said head coach Krissy Turner, who is in her 16th season at the helm of the Hawks' program. "We are excited to kick off at home this weekend, as we will use the non-conference schedule to prepare for the rigors of the MAAC."

Fairfield was picked as a close favorite to win the MAAC title, as selected by the MAAC's head coaches in their annual preseason poll. Fairfield earned 115 first place votes, narrowly edging runnerup Marist by two votes. Fairfield narrowly edged second place Marist by two points in the ballot.

Monmouth (86), in its first season in the MAAC, finished third in the preseason poll, followed by Rider (69), Niagara (68), Siena (64), Iona (62), Quinnipiac (59), Canisius (45), Manhattan (32) and Saint Peter's (13). Quinnipiac is also in its inaugural season with the MAAC.

Seniors Costello (23 points in 2012) and Baca and junior Freguletti (four goals) were all first-team all-conference performers in 2012 for the Hawks.

"These three players have gained valuable experience in the past few seasons and we look forward to the contributions that Dana and Alex will make in our attack, while Alexa will lead our defense," added Turner.

The Red Foxes' Amanda Epstein, who scored eight goals and tallied 20 points while earning first-team All-MAAC honors in 2012, was the choice for Preseason Player of the Year.

The 2013 MAAC Women's Soccer Championship will be held Oct. 31-Nov. 4 at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney Resorts in Orlando, Florida.

Monmouth (10-7-2 in 2012) opens its 2013 campaign by hosting the University of Delaware on The Great Lawn on Sunday, August 25 at 1:00 p.m.

2013 MAAC Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Fairfield 115
2 Marist 113
3. Monmouth 86
4. Rider 69
5. Niagara 68
6. Siena 64
7. Iona 62
8. Quinnipiac 59
9. Canisius 45
10. Manhattan 32
11. Saint Peter's 13

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