Aug. 20, 2012

EASTON, Pa.- Lafayette has earned the second spot, behind American, in the Patriot League Preseason Poll, voted on by the league's head coaches and sports information directors, the league announced Monday. 

Missing the top spot by two votes, the defending champs boasted three Preseason All-Patriot League Team members in Patriot League Preseason Offensive Player of the Year senior forward Deanna DiCroce, senior midfielder and defender Emily Valeo and sophomore midfielder Brittany Blass.

Second-place honors are all too familiar for the Leopards as this marks the fifth straight year they've held that spot in the preseason poll.

"I didn't know we had been picked second five years in a row," Griffiths said. "Our goal each year is to win the Patriot League. The awards and polls are meaningful only after the games are played."

This mindset held true in 2011 as the Leopards, ranked second in the preseason, finished in the top spot capturing the Patriot League title.

DiCroce retained her Offensive Player of the Year honors from a year ago, after leading the Patriot League with 14 goals, 10 assists and 38 points in 2011. 

"Deanna has made a tremendous impact on our program," Griffiths said. "She is very talented and brings experience from her elite training to the forward line. She has developed into a strong leader on the field and has helped to make the players around her better."

The Leopards finish their preseason schedule with a scrimmage on Aug. 21 against Syracuse at Rappolt Field at 4 p.m. The 2012 regular season kicks off on Aug. 26 as Lafayette hosts Ball State at 1 p.m.