Misericordia University is picked to finish fourth in the Freedom Conference, according to the pre-season coach's poll.

Eastern earned three first place votes and is picked to repeat as conference champions.

The Cougars are led by midfielder Ashley McDonnell is the lone senior among the 11 returning letter winners. McDonnell was a second team all-conference selection last season.

Also returning is junior Kim Suchoski, who led the team in scoring a season ago.

Playing the toughest schedule in school history, the Cougars managed a pair of wins over regionally-ranked opponents.

MU opens the 2009 season when they host Lebanon Valley, Tuesday, September 1 at 5:00.

2009 Freedom Conference Women's Soccer Preseason Poll
1. Eastern 51 pts. (3)
2. Wilkes 46 pts. (1)
3. Manhattanville 45 pts. (3)
4t. DeSales 37 pts. (1)
4t. Misericordia 37 pts.
6. FDU-Florham 29 pts.
7. Delaware Valley 28 pts.
8. King's 15 pts.

( ) denotes fist place votes