Burnsvile, Minn.--- The Minnesota State women's soccer team has been picked to finish first in the North Sun Intercollegiate Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll.

The Mavericks, who won the NSIC regular season and tournament championship last year, received 12 first places votes and gathered 220 points. Bemidji State claimed the second spot receiving two first place votes and 206 points. Augustana (194) and Minot State (189) also received one first-place vote. 

Seniors Morgan Cottew and Abby Hausken were each named NSIC players to watch for the 2018 season. Cottew, who last year moved into ninth place in program history for goals (30) and also stands 10th in career points (75), is the top returner in points, tallying six goals and three assists in 2018. Hausken was named to the NSIC All-Conference Second Team last season while accumulating three assists. 

Rated #20 in the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Women's National Preseason Poll, Minnesota State opens the 2018 season with an exhibition game on Tuesday, Aug. 21, hosting UW-La Crosse starting at The Pitch. The game will start at 4:00 p.m.