The BIG EAST announced their preseason coaches' poll via press release today, predicting that Villanova will finish seventh in the conference with 15 points. Reigning BIG EAST champions, UConn, is predicted to take the crown with 49 points and received all seven first place votes. Liberty is predicted to finish second (41), Old Dominion third (35), Providence fourth (33), Temple fifth (25), Quinnipiac sixth (19), and rounding out the conference in eighth is Georgetown with seven points.

Francesca Bello is the lone Wildcat that was selected to the Preseason All-BIG EAST Team. Bello was named co-captain of this season's squad with junior Allison Sayia. She appeared in 18 games for the Wildcats while starting 17 of them. Also, she led the team in goals with nine and points with 26. At the conclusion of last season Bello was named to All-BIG EAST Second Team. This is the second season that she received preseason honors.

"Fresca is such a talented player. I am so happy the Big East coaches have recognized her for the Preseason All-BIG EAST Team" said Head Coach Joanie Milhous.

The Wildcats finished the 2016 season 2-5 in conference play and 5-13 over all, missing the BIG EAST Tournament. The team will kick-off their 2017 campaign in Farmville, Va. with a match against Longwood on Aug. 25. BIG EAST play will begin on Sept. 16 when the squad travels to Liberty.
 

BIG EAST Field Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year

Charlotte Veitner, Connecticut, Sr., F

Preseason Defensive Player of the Year

Casey Umstead, Connecticut, Sr., D

Preseason All-BIG EAST Team

Francesca Bello, Villanova, Sr., F

Danielle Grega, Old Dominion, Sr., F *

Megan Hamilton, Providence, Sr., F/M

Barbara van den Hoogen, Connecticut, So., M

Abby Julius, Liberty, Jr., M/F *

Nina Klein, Connecticut, Sr., GK

Agueda Moroni, Liberty, So., M

Rachel Mueller, Temple, Sr., M

Floor Rozemeijer, Providence, So., D

Casey Umstead, Connecticut, Sr., D *

Charlotte Veitner, Connecticut, Sr., F *

*unanimous selection