BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Christian Brothers University women's soccer team had Alice Legnedahl, Yannell Loza and Erika Pay named to the 2023 Gulf South Conference Top Newcomers list, and was picked to finish ninth in the Preseason Coaches Poll, as announced by the league on Wednesday, Aug. 21. 

The Lady Bucs, who are led by first year head coach Julia Osmond, were also picked to finish ninth in the 2022 preseason poll, but outperformed those expectations to finish seventh. 

Legnedahl comes to CBU from Onsala, Sweden where she played for Onsala BK. Loza transfers to CBU from NCAA Division II member Southwestern Oklahoma State, where she appeared in seven matches as a defender. Loza also helped the Bulldogs claim the Great American Conference Championship. The Quito, Ecuador native also played for her the Ecuador U20 national team. 

Pay hails from Mysen, Norway, where she played forward/midfield for Kolbotn IL. 

CBU returns nine players who featured in at least 17 matches last season, including returning leading goal scorers Lara Brewis (4) and Lilly Harrison (3). The Lady Bucs also return starting goalkeeper Chloe Hillyer, who helped the team earn four shutouts last season. Starting defenders Cammie Jernigan, Sammy Goodrich and Niki Farizy. The trio has combined for 100 career starts. Mya Gargone, who has two goals and nine assists in 57 career games, also returns to help lead the midfield. 

The Lady Bucs are scheduled to open their season on Friday, Sept. 1, when they host Sunshine State Conference foe Tampa. 

2023 GSC Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll
First-place votes in parentheses ( )
1. Mississippi College - 159 pts (4)
2. West Florida - 153 (7)
3. Lee - 144 (1)
4. Montevallo - 125 
5. West Georgia - 112 (2)
6. West Alabama - 106
7. Delta State - 93
8. Valdosta State - 86
9. Christian Brothers - 82
10. Alabama Huntsville - 77
11. Auburn Montgomery - 52
12. Union - 44
13. Spring Hill - 28
14. Shorter - 13