Bethlehem, PA -- The Patriot League announced its preseason women's soccer awards on Thursday, with
Baylee DeSmit and
Alex Searing were named to the Patriot League Preseason All-League team.
As a team, Loyola University Maryland was picked to finish in sixth place by a vote of conference coaches.
The Greyhounds, who have reached the Patriot League Championships in four straight seasons, received 92 points.
DeSmit, who is coming off of a First Team All-Patriot League nod in 2022, was named to the Patriot League Preseason All-League team. DeSmit led the Patriot League in points (19), tied for second in goals (6), second in assists (7), and second in shots on goal (26) during the 2022 season. She enters the season after recording 10 goals and 8 assists during her first two seasons with the Greyhounds.
Searing, a two-time All-Patriot League honoree, was also named to the 11-player Preseason All-League team. Searing was a dominant presence on the Greyhounds back-line during 2022, playing a crucial roll in seven shutouts. On top of that, Searing also added two goals and an assist during the season.
Voting for the preseason poll and award winners was conducted by the 10 women's soccer head coaches and athletic communications contacts.
The Greyhounds begin regular season play with a 7 p.m. road matchup against Dayton on Thursday, August 17.
2023 Patriot League Women's Soccer Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Corrine Lyght, Lehigh, Jr., F
2023 Patriot League Women's Soccer Preseason Midfielder of the Year: Teresa Deda, Bucknell, Jr., M
2023 Patriot League Women's Soccer Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Ryelle Shuey, Lehigh, Gr., D
2023 Patriot League Women's Soccer Goalkeeper of the Year: Jenna Hall, Bucknell, Sr., GK
2023 Patriot League Women's Soccer Preseason All-League Team
Abby McNulty, Boston University, Sr., F
Morgan Fagan, Boston University, Jr., F
Corrine Lyght, Lehigh, Jr., F
Alexa Riddle, Navy, Jr., F
Giulianna Gianino, Boston University, So., M
Teresa Deda, Bucknell, Jr., M
Baylee DeSmit, Loyola Maryland, Jr., M
Lindsey Smith, Army West Point, Sr., D
Ryelle Shuey, Lehigh, Gr., D
Alex Searing, Loyola Maryland, Gr., D
Jenna Hall, Bucknell, Sr., GK
2023 Patriot League Women's Soccer Preseason Poll
Bucknell – 145 (7 first-place votes)
Army West Point – 139 (5)
Boston University – 132 (7)
Lehigh – 119 (1)
Navy – 105
Loyola Maryland – 92
Colgate – 56
American – 47
Lafayette – 40
Holy Cross – 25
