HUNTINGDON, Pa. – Catholic University was picked to win the Landmark Conference women's soccer crown in 2010 while Juniata College was tapped to finish sixth, as the results of preseason voting by the Landmark's head women's soccer coaches and sports information directors was released Wednesday.  

Catholic claimed its first Landmark women's soccer championship in 2010 and is favored to match the title in 2010.  They were narrowly ranked first with 69 points, while The University of Scranton came in a close second with 64 points. Drew University ranked third in the voting with 48 points and Moravian tallied 40 points to edge out Susquehanna in fourth by one point.   

Juniata College picked up a total of 21 points in the voting.

With key players returning for the team, women's soccer at Juniata is preparing for another stab at the championship.  Senior forward Caitlin Bigelow (La Mesa, Calif./Academy of Our Lady of Peace) will be returning to the team after studying abroad her junior year season. She led the team with nine goals and four game-winning goals as a sophomore. Senior forward Erin Eddinger (Barto, Pa./Boyertown) is one of six regular starters back for the team and was tied for the team lead in goals last season.  

Juniata's two starting keepers Kristen Penska (North Huntingdon, Pa./Norwin) and Lauren Auster-Gussman (Lancaster, Pa./Lancaster Country Day) will be back in the net. 

Juniata opens its 2010 season on Saturday, Sept. 25, when Goucher hosts them on the opening Landmark weekend. 

The complete poll is listed below:

LANDMARK CONFERENCE

2009 Preseason Women's Soccer Poll

1. Catholic University – 69 pts.

2. The University of Scranton – 64 pts.

3. Drew University – 48 pts.

4. Moravian College – 40 pts.

5. Susquehanna – 39 pts.

6. Juniata College – 21 pts.

7. Goucher College – 13 pts.

-30-