CLEVELAND - The Missouri State field hockey team was chosen by head coaches within the Mid-American Conference to finish fifth in the seven-team, 2016 preseason poll announced by the MAC Tuesday, Aug. 16.

The Miami University RedHawks were chosen to win the 2016 season, receiving three first place votes and totaling 38 points. Trailing Miami by one point and also receiving three first place votes was defending MAC Champion Kent State, who was dubbed second after receiving 37 points followed by Ohio (24 points and one first place vote), Longwood (23), Missouri State (12), Central Michigan (7) and Ball State (6).

For the MAC Championship Tournament, Miami and Kent each received three votes resulting in a tie.

Missouri State returns 15 letterwinners from the 2015 season and welcomes six newcomers as head coach Catherine Ostoich begins her first year at the helm for the Bears. The Bears are coming off of a three-way tie for third place going 3-3 in MAC conference play and 6-12 overall last season.

The Bears kick off the 2016 season Sunday, Aug. 28, against Saint Francis University at 10 a.m. in Athens, Ohio.

2016 Field Hockey Coaches Preseason Poll (First-Place Votes)

1. Miami (3) - 38
2. Kent State (3) - 37
3. Ohio (1) - 24
4. Longwood - 23
5. Missouri State - 12
6. Central Michigan - 7
7. Ball State - 6

Tournament Champion (TIE): Miami (3), Kent State (3), Ohio (1)

For more information on the Missouri State field hockey team, visit www.missouristatebears.com, Facebook (Missouri State Field Hockey) or Twitter (MSUBearsFHockey).