Full Release

SOMERSET, N.J. - The LIU Brooklyn women's soccer team was picked to finish sixth in the Northeast Conference standings in 2015, according to a poll of the league's coaches that was released on Monday. The Blackbirds, who return 16 letterwinners and welcome 11 talented newcomers to the squad, will begin their campaign on Friday, Aug. 21 at Iona.

A pair of all-conference performers return to the lineup for second-year head coach Jim Robbins in senior Lucy Gunton-Jones and junior Madison Gomez. Gunton-Jones established a new single-game record with three assists against Sacred Heart en route to leading the NEC in the category with eight. Gomez had a breakout sophomore year for LIU Brooklyn, scoring seven times - including five against league opponents - to rank in the top five in the conference.

Also returning from last season's starting lineup is senior goalkeeper Jessica Montrose. The Lancashire, England product totaled 101 saves on the season to rank fourth on the LIU single-season list. Junior defender Asha Mohiddin, a member of the NEC's All-Rookie Team two seasons ago, is also expected to provide veteran leadership along the backline.

Reigning NEC champion Central Connecticut earned six first-place votes and is the favorite to repeat, according to the coaches. Fairleigh Dickinson registered three first-place tallies and is followed in the standings by Saint Francis U. and Wagner.