Coker Women's Lacrosse Picked Eighth in South Atlantic Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll

FULL SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE RELEASE

ROCK HILL, S.C. – The Coker University women's lacrosse team was picked eighth in the 2020 South Atlantic Conference preseason coaches' poll, announced by the league today (Tuesday, Jan. 21).

Defending league champion Queens (N.C.) topped the poll with eight first-place votes and 89 points. Lenoir-Rhyne took second with one first-place vote and 78 points, while Anderson (S.C.) was close behind with the remaining first-place vote and 75 points. Conference newcomer UVa-Wise was picked fourth with 64 points, and Lincoln Memorial was picked fifth with 61 points. Catawba finished sixth (51 points), Mars Hill seventh (37 points), and Coker was tabbed eighth with a total of 35 points). Tusculum (31 points), and Newberry (19 points) rounded out the poll.

The Cobras won six games in 2019, while picking up two conference wins. The Cobras will begin their first season under new head coach and former player Marabeth Durden (2012-2016). Coker returns 16 players from a sesaon ago, while welcoming seven new freshmen to the fold. Included in the returners is 2019 SAC All-Conference Honorable Mention selection Hannah Baird. Baird played and started in all 15 games, totaling 15 ground balls, one draw control and nine caused turnovers. Away from the turf, she was named to both the SAC Commissioner's Honor Roll as well as the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Division II Academic Honor Roll. She also received the 2018-19 Division II Athletic Directors Association (ADA) Academic Achievement Award. 

The Cobras open the 2020 campaign at home when they take on Keiser in a non-conference matchup on February 14. Game time is set for 3:00 p.m. at the Coker Athletic Field. Live coverage can be found at www.cokercobras.com