PITMAN, N.J. – The William Paterson women's soccer team ranked fifth in the 2010 New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Preseason Coaches' Poll released Aug. 17.

Defending-champion The College of New Jersey received five first-place votes and was the favorite to win the NJAC title, followed by Rowan (four first-place vote), Richard Stockton (one), and Kean (dark horse). William Paterson was trailed by Montclair State, New Jersey City, Ramapo, Rutgers-Camden and Rutgers-Newark.

The Pioneers were 13-7-3 overall and 5-2-2 in NJAC play last fall under the direction of 13th-year head coach Keith Woods, winning the ECAC Metro Tournament title and advancing to the NJAC Tournament semifinals. WP will return 14 letterwinners this season, including nine starters.

William Paterson will begin the 2010 campaign Wednesday, Sept. 1, at Scranton at 7:00 p.m. The Pioneers will play their home opener Saturday, Sept. 11, at 11:00 a.m. against FDU-Florham.

2010 New Jersey Athletic Conference Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. The College of New Jersey (5)
2. Rowan (4)
3. Richard Stockton (1)
4. Kean (dark horse)
5. William Paterson
6. Montclair State
7. New Jersey City
8. Ramapo
9. Rutgers-Camden
10. Rutgers-Newark
( ) indicates first-place votes