Aug. 14, 2003

RICHARDSON, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' women's soccer team will look for its seventh straight American Southwest Conference West Division title as they have been tabbed the unanimous favorite to win the division. The Cowgirls have not lost a division game in the past two seasons.

Texas Lutheran, Mary Hardin-Baylor, Schreiner, McMurry and Concordia-Austin round out the ASC West poll. Defending conference champion UT-Dallas was picked to win the East Division.

Junior Mollie Porter, an All-American a year ago, was named ASC West Defensive Preseason Player of the Year.

The Cowgirls went 14-3-0, but bring back an experienced squad and have added some talented players. HSU is looking to get back to the NCAA Championships after going to the Sweet 16 in 2001.

ASC East Division Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Tresy Ross, MF, Sr., Austin College

ASC East Division Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Katie Johnson, GK, Jr., UT Dallas

ASC West Division Preseason Offensive Player of the Year (tri): Ashley Avalos, F, Fr., Schreiner Angie Valencia, F, Jr., Texas Lutheran Reagan Woodward, MF, Jr., Mary Hardin-Baylor

ASC West Division Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Mollie Porter, D, Jr., Hardin-Simmons