GAC Communications
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. —Following a season that culminated in an appearance in the title match of the NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Central Regional, Southwestern Oklahoma State enters 2018 as the Great American Conference’s women’s soccer preseason favorite, the league office announced on Tuesday.
The Bulldogs, who posted a 13-4-5 record last season, picked up five of the seven first-place votes. They return the dynamic duo of Alimata Rabo and Sandra Nabweteme. Rabo, a First-Team All-American led Division II in goals per game and points per game; she ranked fourth in game-winning goals and seventh in assists. Nabweteme, an All-Region performer, ranked third in the GAC in points and fourth in goals. SWOSU brings back a third All-Region selection in defender Erica Brunet.
Oklahoma Baptist, the 2017 GAC regular-season champions, picked up the remaining first-place votes and took second in the poll. The Lady Bison posted a 9-0-3 regular-season record in GAC play, as part of a 15-2-3 campaign. GAC Coach of the Year Mike White brings back a core that includes all seven of its All-GAC selections highlighted by All-Region selections Jennifer Goethe, Hannah White, Emmily Infante and Ruth King. Goethe garnered GAC Defensive Player of the Year and White picked up Freshman of the Year. Emily Griffith collected Goalkeeper of the Year.
Harding placed third in the voting. Bethany Sutherland and Sierra Phillips, a pair of All-Region honorees, both come back for their senior seasons. Sutherland ranks second amongst returning Division II players with 51 career goals.
East Central and Ouachita shared fourth place. ECU features four 2017 All-GAC performers in defenders Alyssa Butler and Lizette Carreon, midfielder Alexis Castillo and goalkeeper Chloe Hull. Ouachita goalkeeper Erin Webster led the GAC in saves and rated second in save percentage.
Southern Nazarene finished sixth, followed by Northwestern Oklahoma State. Crimson Storm goalkeeper Ashlynn Pritchett ranked second among Division II freshmen with 125 saves. The Rangers have a first-year coach in James Ross. His first squad features a pair of 2017 All-GAC selections in forward Karla Lopez and defender Makayla Barrientos.
The 2018 season opens on Wednesday, August 29 when Northwestern Oklahoma State hosts Rogers State. One day later, the Bulldogs host the defending national champions, Central Missouri; the Lady Bison face another NCAA qualifier, Bemidji State; the Crimson Storm host Northeastern State and East Central welcomes in Southwestern Christian. On Friday, Harding and Ouachita begin their respective seasons as both participate in a GAC/MIAA Challenge in Searcy.