File Photo Courtesy of Mark Campbell

RICHMOND, Va. -- The University of Delaware women’s soccer team, which returns its top two scorers from last year’s squad, was picked No. 7 in the pre-season Colonial Athletic Association Coaches Poll released Monday afternoon.

Head coach Scott Grzenda, who will begin his 19th season at the helm this fall, welcomes the return of 16 letterwinners and 10 starters from a team that went 8-10 overall and placed eighth in the league standings with a 4-7 mark. Delaware, which has won eight or more game nine straight seasons, will be looking to advance to the six-team CAA Tournament for the first time since competing in the semifinals in 2005.

William & Mary, James Madison, and Hofstra, which each advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament a year ago, were the top three picks by the coaches with William & Mary earning five first place votes and 112 to take the pre-season No. 1 position. James Madison was picked second with four first place votes and 111 points and Hofstra was third with three first place votes and 107 points.

Virginia Commonwealth was fourth followed by UNC Wilmington, George Mason, Delaware, Old Dominion, Northeastern, Georgia State, Towson, and Drexel.

The Blue Hens return their top two scorers in second team All-CAA picks Amy Pickard (eight goals) and Caitlyn Germain (seven goals; at right) as well as returning starting forward Melissa Kilker, midfielders Kasie Shover and Jamie Flynn, and defenders Dana Rodgers, Megan Hanley, Erin Lensky, and Megan Delaney, and goalkeeper Annie Bevan. Also back for the Hens are veterans Jess Bendzlowicz, who missed all of last season with an injury, and Alli D’Amico, who missed all but three games a year ago with an injury.

Delaware, which will open pre-season practice Thursday, will begin the 2008 regular season Aug. 29-30 when UD hosts St. John’s, Lafayette, and Towson in the Blue Hen Classic at the Delaware Mini-Stadium.