SIOUX FALLS – The South Dakota State women’s soccer program was picked second in the Summit League Preseason Coaches’ Poll, the league office released Tuesday. The Jackrabbits earned 58 points in the rankings along with a pair of first-place votes. Kaitlin Zabel and Maya Hansen were recognized as players to watch.
Denver was picked to defend the Summit League title with 63 points and seven first-place votes. Behind South Dakota State, Oral Roberts (45), South Dakota (41) and Kansas City (32) completed the top five. North Dakota (29), North Dakota State (25), Omaha (22) and Western Illinois (9) rounded out the final four spots in the poll.
The Jackrabbits finished last season 15-5-2 (6-1-1 Summit League). They finished second in the Summit League in the regular season, while capturing its fifth Summit League Tournament title. State is under the direction of head coach Brock Thompson, who holds a 20-2-1 mark in Summit League play.
Kaitlin Zabel, a 2019 All-Summit League First Team honoree, returns for her senior campaign after starting 21 game and playing 1,911 minutes in the back line. She was a key contributor to last season’s record-breaking defense that allowed only nine goals and posted 14 shutouts with a 0.40 goals against average.
Maya Hansen started 20 games and appeared in all 22 contests last season, logging 1,273 minutes on the pitch. She led the team in assists with four and finished second in points (18) and goals (seven). She was named the 2019 Summit League Freshman of the Year, while being named to the All-Summit League Second Team and All-Freshman Team.
The Jackrabbits open their season at Omaha Feb. 12 and 14.
Summit League Preseason Coaches’ Soccer Poll
1. Denver 63 (7)
2. South Dakota State 58 (2)
3. Oral Roberts 45
4. South Dakota 41
5. Kansas City 32
6. North Dakota 29
7. North Dakota State 25
8. Omaha 22
9. Western Illinois 9
Summit League Players to Watch
Natalie Beckman - Denver
Sami Feller - Denver
Kaitlin Zabel - South Dakota State
Maya Hansen - South Dakota State
Drishana Pillay - Oral Roberts
Brianna McGowan - Oral Roberts
Alexis Mitchell - South Dakota
Abby Ostrem - South Dakota
Emma Wilson - Kansas City
Anna Jennings - Kansas City
Mara Yapello - North Dakota
Megan Wright - North Dakota
McKenna Strand - North Dakota State
Lavin Douglass - North Dakota State
Andrea Davis - Omaha
Margaret LaVigne - Omaha
Lauryn Peters - Western Illinois
Bridget Schuler - Western Illinois
