[WCC WOMEN] Portland, which captured its third consecutive conference title and fifth in the last six seasons in 2009, is the preseason favorite in the 2010 WCC women’s soccer preseason poll.

The Pilots return eight starters from the 2009 squad that posted a 21-2-0 overall record and advanced to its sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament quarterfinals. UP landed the most players on the WCC preseason all-conference team in seniors Sophie Schmidt, Kendra Chandhoke and Keelin Winters and junior Danielle Foxhove n.

Santa Clara, which returns seven starters, was picked to finish second. The Broncos will be led by 2009 WCC Co-Freshman of the Year Allie Vernon and junior goalkeeper Bianca Henninger, both of whom were selected to the 11-player preseason all-conference team.

2010 WCC Preseason Women’s Poll
1. Portland 49 (7)
2. Santa Clara 41.5 (1)
3. San Diego    38.5
4. Pepperdine 27
5. Loyola Marymount  26
6. Saint Mary’s 19
7. Gonzaga 12
8. San Francisco 11
(First place votes)

2010 All-WCC Preseason Women’s Team
NAME   SCHOOL   YR    POS
Kendra Chandhoke  Portland   SR    MF
Danielle Foxhoven Portland   JR    F
Julie Gallaudet Loyola Marymount    SR    F
Bianca Henniger  Santa Clara JR    GK
Sheridan Jones    Gonzaga    SR    MF
Stephanie Ochs   San Diego JR    F
Sophie Schmidt   Portland    SR    MF
Michelle Spacciapolli Pepperdine JR    MF/F
Allie Vernon   Santa Clara SO    MF
Keelin Winters     Portland   SR    MF