RICHMOND, Va. - The George Mason women's soccer team was predicted to finish sixth in the Colonial Athletic Association according to a vote of the league's head coaches the conference office announced Monday afternoon. The top six teams at the end of regular season play will advance to the CAA Tournament to be held at the highest seed.

The Patriots finished tied for third in the league last season with an overall record of 8-6-6 and a league mark of 5-3-3. Seven starters return from last season including three Patriots that earned CAA recognition at the end of last season. Amongst the starting returners are Tiana Kallenberger, the team's leading scorer and a second team selection, Mary Kate Lowry, a third team selection, and Paige Babel who was named to the All-Rookie team. In addition, Mason added seven newcomers to the roster.

William and Mary was unanimously chosen to repeat as the 2012 CAA women's soccer champions, receiving all 10 possible first-place votes as the Tribe welcome back nine starters from last year's 17-3-2 squad that captured its first CAA championship since 1993. James Madison was picked second with 81 points, followed closely by Hofstra with 79 points and Northeastern with 76 points. Delaware finished fifth with 64 points, followed by Mason, Drexel, Old Dominion, UNCW, Georgia State and Towson.

The Green and Gold play their lone exhibition match on Friday, August 10 against Radford. The Patriots and Highlanders meet at 7 p.m. at George Mason Stadium. Regular season action opens for Mason at St. John's on August 17.

The 2012 Fall Sports Season Pass, which includes admission into all home men's soccer, women's soccer and women's volleyball events, is currently on sale for only $35. Fans can purchase the season pass online at GoMason.com or by calling the Mason Athletic Ticket Office at (703) 993-3270. For further information on the pass, please click here.

2012 CAA WOMEN'S PRESEASON COACHES POLL

1. William & Mary (10 first-place votes)                  100
2. James Madison                                                81
3. Hofstra                                                            79
4. Northeastern (1 first-place vote)                         76
5. Delaware                                                         64
6. George Mason                                                 60
7. Drexel                                                             35
8. Old Dominion                                                   34
9. UNCW                                                            28
10. Georgia State                                                25
11. Towson                                                         23

(Teams receive 10 points for a first-place vote, 9 for second, etc. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team.)