Bison Predicted to Finish 10th in Preseason Poll

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - The Bethany College women's soccer team was picked to finish tenth in the Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC) preseason poll, in a vote of the conference coaches, the league announced today (August 27, 2024).  

"We definitely underperformed and were riddled with injuries. This is a different year and a completely different team," said Bethany Bison Interim Head Soccer Coach Cody Kibler. "The girls are hungrier than ever and the new additions we gained are helping push our team forward. I have seen a difference in our practices and determination off the field to get better. I am looking forward to what this season has in store!" 

Bethany finished with a total of 22 points, only besting Thiel out of the 11 teams voted upon.

Grove City was the clear favorite to repeat as champions with eight first-place votes and a total of 97 points. Westminster recorded a pair of first-place votes and 89 points, placing them second in the poll. Saint Vincent managed to catch a first-place vote; earning 79 points and third place in the poll.

The Bearcats were followed by Washington & Jefferson (69), Waynesburg (67), Allegheny (48), Franciscan (45), Chatham (40), Geneva (38), BETHANY (22) and Thiel (11). 

The Bison are set to begin the 2024 season 1 p.m. September 1st. Bethany will host Penn State Altoona.

PAC PLAYERS TO WATCH - BETHANY 

Sophomore Midfielder Avallina Aurilo: 

Aurilo made an immediate impact for the Bison in her freshman campaign. The midfielder started 14 games during the 2023 season. 

Junior Forward Monica Bird Montilla:

Out from injury in the 2023 season, Montilla rejoins the pitch as the primary threat on offense. Montilla started 18 out of the 19 game season in 2022. She totaled 25 points as a freshman.

Senior Defender Ava Lee:

A leader of a strong defense on the backend of the field, A. Lee served as an iron man during the 2023 season. She was one of three athletes on the team to start all 16 games. That chemistry on defense is bound to build with her younger sister joining the Bethany roster.

Sophomore Defender Chloe Lee:

The younger of the two Lees, C. Lee spent her freshman season at Division II Concord University. Joining the Bison forces attackers to get past not one, but two Lees- which is predicted to be twice as difficult. 

Junior Defender Brooke Ohler:

Another Defender on the PAC Players to Watch list, Ohler started 11 of the 12 games she was healthy for. Ohler's return to the pitch adds even more stability to the Bison defense.