Aug. 23, 2011

After a 2010 season of close calls and almost defeating Central Michigan in postseason play, the field hockey Bears are looking to claw their way up the Mid-American Conference standings. They will have a tough climb ahead of them, however, as Missouri State has been picked to finish sixth in the MAC preseason poll.

Defending-MAC champion Kent State have been selected as the 2011 preseason favorite to take home the regular-season title, receiving 33 votes. Other MAC powerhouses, Miami (Ohio) and Ohio, were at the top of the preseason rankings with 28 and 27 votes, respectively. Central Michigan (18), Ball State (12), and Missouri State (9) round out the bottom half of the 2011 MAC Preseason Coaches' Poll.

First-year head coach Gabby Gomez-Sosa will rely on last season's returners, such as seniors Casey Bayliss and Sarah Cusick, in addition to nine newcomers to jump start her head coaching career. Gomez-Sosa has been an assistant for the Bears the past two seasons. She helped coach three players to All-MAC recognition and two top-eight goal scorers in the conference. The team also improved their overall and MAC win totals from 2009 to 2010.

The Bears first regular season action starts this weekend in St. Louis, Mo., verses Sacred Heart and Saint Louis. MSU's first taste of conference play will take place Sept. 23 against preseason favorite Kent State at Plaster Sports Complex in Springfield, Mo.

Predicted Order of Finish 1. Kent State (32 Votes) 2. Miami (28) 3. Ohio (27) 4. Central Michigan (18) 5. Ball State (12) 6. Missouri State (9)

Predicted Tournament Champion Kent State (2 votes) Miami (2) Ohio (2)