The Big Sky Conference released its Coaches' Preseason Poll today (Aug. 11) and Eastern Washington women's soccer is slated to finish seventh for the 2022 fall season. Eastern finished seventh in the Big Sky in 2021 season, just barely missing out on a berth in the conference tournament.

The Eagles received 26 points and are four points behind Sacramento State for the sixth spot. Northern Colorado is predicted to win the conference, earning 61 points and six first place votes. The defending conference champions, Montana, received two first place votes and 54 points for conference runner-up status, while Weber State was third with one first place vote and 51 points.

The poll is voted on by the league's nine head coaches, and coaches cannot vote for their own team.

Eastern had a 3-6 record in conference matches last season, finishing with a 5-12 overall record. The Eagles returns seven starters from a season ago, including All-Big Sky first team selection Madison Kem and All-Big Sky honorable mention, Mya Elder-Hammond. The team's point leader, Maddie Morgan, also returns, along with Gillian Martin, Brooke Flores, Grace Terrill, and Mareonna Henderson.

Overall, Eastern returns 13 players from the '21 team and adds 17 new players. The newcomers included two transfers and 15 freshmen.

The Eagles were on the field Tuesday night, earning a commanding, 3-0 win over the University of Calgary in the team's first exhibition match of the season. Katrina Kupp, Martin, and Morgan provided the scores for Eastern, while Martin added an assist for three total points in the match. Freshman Riley Arribas set up Martin's goal on a cross and showed an aggressive attack against the Dinos.

Fans will have another opportunity to see the new Eagle team tomorrow, August 11, as they host Yakima Valley Community College. The match will kick-off at 5 p.m. Pacific Time at EWU Soccer Field.
 
2022 Big Sky Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll

1. Northern Colorado (6) – 61
2. Montana (2) – 54
3. Weber State (1) – 51
4. Northern Arizona – 43
5. Idaho – 35
6. Sacramento State – 30
7. Eastern Washington – 26
8. Portland State – 14
9. Idaho State – 10