BURNSVILLE, Minn. --- The Minnesota State women's soccer team has been picked to finish first in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll.

The Mavericks received eight first-place votes and 187 points to secure the top spot in the poll. Augustana was ranked second with four first-place votes and 177 points, with Bemidji State following in third with two first-place votes and 170 points.

Senior midfielder Allie Williams was named the NSIC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. Last season, Williams played in 20 matches, including 15 starts, as she tallied five goals and five assists for a total of 17 points. Against Augustana, Williams notched two goals and an assist in MSU's 4-2 win over the Vikings.

Senior goalkeeper Mackenzie Rath was named MSU's Defensive Player to Watch. Last season, Rath started in all 22 matches for the Mavericks as she posted a 14-2-6 record, including 11 shutouts. She ranked second in the conference in goals against average (.626), second in shutouts (11) and fifth in save percentage (.851).

Minnesota State hosts an exhibition contest this Saturday against Northwest Missouri State at The Pitch. The match is scheduled to begin at 12:00 p.m. MSU opens its regular season schedule on August 31 as it hosts Oklahoma Baptist at 3:00 p.m.