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Gamecocks Ranked 11th in NSCAA Preseason Poll

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina women’s soccer will open the 2015 season ranked No. 11 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) poll. It is the program’s highest preseason ranking by the NSCAA, topping the previous best of No. 12 to start the 2010 season.

“Preseason rankings are as much about where your program is thought of historically as they are the upcoming season, so it’s exciting to see us in this position this season,” South Carolina head coach Shelley Smith said. “We feel great about the team we’re bringing into this season and look forward to keeping our program in this position.”

The Gamecocks return 25 letterwinners from last season’s NCAA Elite Eight team, including their top five scorers. The six returning starters include top goal-scorer, junior forward Sophie Groff, and junior midfielder Chelsea Drennan, who recorded a team-high seven assists last season. SEC Freshman of the Year Savannah McCaskill is back in action after tying Groff for the team lead last season with 15 points (5G, 5A). Seniors Raina Johnson and Stevi Parker round out the top five scorers from a year ago.

South Carolina’s historic 2014 season included a final ranking of No. 9 in the NSCAA poll, matching the 2009 team’s mark for the best season-ending rank in program history. Last year’s 14-6-5 record included three wins and a tie against top-six teams.

The Gamecocks’ 2015 schedule features three games against other teams in the NSCAA preseason rankings as South Carolina travels to No. 22 Clemson (Aug. 28), hosts No. 5 Texas A&M (Sept. 24) and travels to No. 8 Florida (Oct. 22).

South Carolina begins practice on Wednesday to prepare for an exhibition match at NC State on Aug. 14. The Gamecocks open the regular season on Fri., Aug. 21, against Northeastern at 7 p.m. at Stone Stadium.

Season tickets are on sale now, with soccer fans yet again getting the best deal ever offered for tickets. For $25 for adults and $10 for youth 17 and under, purchasers receive as season ticket to every women’s and men’s soccer match this season, 19 in all. In addition, season-ticket buyers receive an exclusive Gamecock Soccer scarf. To take advantage of the offer, call 800-472-3267 or click here today.

WSOC: No. 11 Gamecocks Move Past N.C. State, 3-0, in Friday's Exhibition


RALEIGH, N.C. – Sophomore forward Savannah McCaskill recorded three points and the Gamecocks allowed just one shot on goal, as No. 11 South Carolina moved past North Carolina State, 3-0, in its only exhibition match of the 2015 season on Friday night. The teams played three 30-minute periods in the match at Dail Soccer Field in Raleigh, N.C.



Each of South Carolina’s three goals were assisted, starting in the 33rd minute when junior midfielder Chelsea Drennan sent in a cross from the left side. Her pass found junior forward Daija Griffin, who headed the ball past N.C. State goalkeeper Sydney Wooten to give the Gamecocks a 1-0 lead.



South Carolina pushed its advantage to 2-0 following another great pass from the corner. Sophomore forward Savannah McCaskill created the scoring opportunity, as she found Vanessa Kovar in the box. The junior forward gathered the pass before finding the back of the net to give South Carolina control of the match as the teams headed to the final period.



McCaskill found herself on the scoring end 20 minutes later, as she bent one past N.C. State keeper Mackenzie Stelljes in the 78th minute to make it 3-0. The Gamecock standout was one of four South Carolina players to be named to the SEC Preseason Watch List earlier this week.



The South Carolina defense produced a strong showing on Friday, and the Gamecocks finished the match with a 13-6 shot advantage. Senior Caroline Kelly earned the start in net in her debut for the Gamecocks. She finished with one save in 45 minutes of work.



Game Changer
McCaskill put the match out of reach late in the game following a goal from the top of the box. The sophomore forward found some space in the attacking third and curled in a great ball to beat Stelljes from 18 yards out.



Key Stat
Two of South Carolina’s goals came in the second 30-minute period. The Gamecocks recorded four shots and attempted three corner kicks during that stretch.



Notables

With Friday’s victory, the Gamecocks improved to 3-2 in their last five exhibition matches.
South Carolina opened the scoring on Friday following an assist by Drennan. The Gamecock midfielder has led South Carolina in assists in each of the last two seasons.
Freshmen Carrie Lawrence earned the start in the midfield in her debut for the Gamecocks. She played 60 minutes in the match.
South Carolina finished Friday’s match with a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks.