Women’s soccer: UVA ranked #4 in preseason poll

The UVA women’s soccer team enters the 2016 season ranked No. 4 in the preseason poll released by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) with a squad that returns a large portion of the team that advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament a year ago.

The Cavaliers return seven starters off last season’s squad that posted a 19-1-3 record. Included in that group is a veteran back line that includes seniors Meghan Cox (Springfield Va.), Tina Iordanou (Upper Brookville, N.Y.) and Kristen McNabb (Montville, N.J.), along with junior Megan Reid (Orinda, Calif.). The defense is anchored by senior Morgan Stearns (San Antonio, Texas) in goal.

McNabb is on the preseason watch list for the MAC Hermann Trophy honoring the top collegiate soccer player along with senior midfielder Alexis Shaffer (Cary, N.C.). Shaffer tied for the team lead in goals a year ago with 14 and was second in assists with eight. She had five game-winning goals on the season, including the game-winner in 1-0 victories over national-runner up Duke, No. 1 Florida State and Wake Forest.

The Cavaliers also welcome a recruiting class ranked among the top five in the nation by recruiting services. Virginia returns a total of 16 players who saw action last season.

Virginia opens its exhibition season at Michigan to close its fall training camp Thursday, Aug. 11, before returning home to host West Virginia in an exhibition match on Sunday, Aug. 14 at Klöckner Stadium. The Cavaliers open the home portion of the regular season on Aug. 21 against George Mason.

2016 Ticket Information

Virginia soccer season tickets are on sale and offer the best value. All fans can order season tickets online, in person or by telephone. To purchase tickets online, visit VirginiaSports.com/Tickets. In-person purchases can be made at the Virginia Athletics Ticket Office in Bryant Hall at Scott Stadium on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Telephone purchases can be made by calling 1-800-542-UVA1 (8821) or locally at 434-924-UVA1 (8821).

Reserved season tickets are $45. Reserved season tickets were sold out in 2015 and these ticket holders will have the first opportunity to renew their seats. All new orders will be placed on a waitlist and customers will be contacted after the July 22 priority deadline regarding their status. General Admission season tickets also are available for adults ($20), Youth/Senior ($15) and UVA Faculty/Staff ($15).

Single-game tickets go on sale Aug. 8 and are $9 for reserved seats if available, $7 for adults and $5 for youth, seniors and faculty/staff. Group ticket orders of 20 or more tickets are $4.