SPORTS

 

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Three Davidson women’s soccer players have been named to the Atlantic 10 Preseason All-Conference Team, the league announced Thursday afternoon.

Goalkeeper Mary Grace Bunch, forward Hailey Braemer and midfielder Sophia Caruso were among the 11 players recognized, just four months after they helped the Wildcats reach the A-10 tournament final. The A-10 Preseason team also includes four players from reigning champion and preseason favorite Saint Louis, three from VCU and one from Dayton.

“It’s great to have players from our program recognized,” said coach Adam Denton. “I’m excited for them and for our team and the opportunity for a very competitive season with a full conference slate. It’s a credit to not only their hard work, but that of the team.”

Bunch, a senior, is highly regarded across the league, having earned all-conference honors the last two seasons, including first-team and all-championship team recognition in the spring. She has played nearly 2,500 minutes in goal, with a career 0.73 goals against average.

Braemer is coming off a breakthrough sophomore campaign in which she led the Wildcats with five goals, five assists and 15 points. She earned second-team honors in the spring and was also named to the all-championship team after scoring Davidson’s lone goal in the A-10 final against Saint Louis.

Also a junior, Caruso is a key player in the middle for the Wildcats, helping direct traffic and connect the front and back lines. She scored two goals in the spring, both in contests against Richmond.

The Wildcats, picked seventh in the A-10 preseason poll, will host Wofford Sunday in a 5 p.m. exhibition, the final tune-up prior to the Aug. 19 season opener against Gardner-Webb.

A-10 Preseason All-Conference Team
Forwards
Hailey Braemer, Davidson
Itala Gemelli, Dayton
Hannah Friedrich, Saint Louis
Samantha Jerabek, VCU

Midfielders
Sophia Caruso, Davidson
Abbie Miller, Saint Louis
Emma Kershner, VCU

Defenders
Brionna Halverson, Saint Louis
Sophia Stram, Saint Louis
Lana Golob, VCU

Goalkeeper
Mary Grace Bunch, Davidson