Somerset, NJ – The Northeast Conference (NEC) women's soccer coaches have tabbed Monmouth to defend its league championship. The Hawks received seven first-place votes to claim the top spot, while 2009 NEC Tournament runner-up Central Connecticut State placed second and claimed the remaining four first place nods. Also picked near the top were 2009 playoff qualifiers Long Island and Quinnipiac in third and fourth, respectively, followed in order by Saint Francis (PA), Sacred Heart and Robert Morris. Bryant and Mount St. Mary's were selected for the eighth and ninth spots, while Farleigh Dickinson and Wagner rounded out the 11-team field.

Head coach Mike Minielli and Wagner (3-13-3, 1-7-2) hope to turn things around behind All-Conference second-team midfielder Julie Vigliotti (Staten Island, NY/Notre Dame Academy), who was the school's first All-Conference player since 2005. As a freshman, she ranked second on the Seahawks in goals (four) and points (10). Her senior counterpart, Briana Vassallo (Saddlebrook, NJ/Paramus), paced the offense with five goals and 11 points.

The 2010 NEC Women's Soccer Tournament will take place at the home of the high seed on November 5 & 7. The top four teams in the regular season standings will advance to the postseason event. The winner of the NEC Tournament will receive the league's automatic bid to the 2010 NCAA Soccer Championship.

The Seahawks open their season on Saturday, August 21, as they take on the University of Pacific in the first round of the OHANA Hotels and Resorts Shootout. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 pm Hawaiian Time (11:00 pm EST).


Northeast Conference Release