ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – The American Athletic Conference (AAC) announced the results of its 2016 women's soccer preseason coaches' poll Tuesday. Not surprisingly, the results closely mirrored those of last week's National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) rankings.
UCF and Cincinnati tied for third, each receiving 64 points, just one point behind USF. The Huskies of UConn were a unanimous selection topping the list with 81 points while Memphis rounded out top five with 46 points.
Head coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak acknowledged UConn was deserving of the top spot but pointed out that the Knights are eager to show what they can do.
"It's a very competitive conference," Roberts Sahaydak said. "We'll take third, but our players will definitely use this as motivation going into the season."
The AAC also announced its preseason award winners which included a pair of Knights. Senior Carol Rodrigues and redshirt junior Kayla Adamek were both named to preseason all-conference squad.
Rodrigues, a unanimous selection, had 11 goals, six assists and 28 points through 1,422 minutes in 2015 while Adamek tallied six goals, six assists, and 18 points through 1,732 minutes. Coach Roberts Sahaydak had high praise for both players coming into the season.
"Carol had an impact on our team from the moment she arrived this time last season," Roberts Sahaydak said. "She continues to get better and is a natural leader on our team. Kayla is a quiet worker who leads by example every day and it shows on the field. I'm glad to see her getting recognition for her abilities and her work ethic."
Join the Black and Gold at the UCF Soccer Complex Thursday, Aug. 11 at 7pm for a free exhibition against Miami.
