LACEY, Wash. – The Saints return a talented but young core heading into the 2022 season looking to upset the preseason polls. Saint Martin's finished eighth in the GNAC's preseason coaches' poll on Thursday.

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Seattle Pacific narrowly edged out Western Washington for the top billing the preseason poll. The Falcons and the Vikings both collected four first place votes, but the Falcons cleared the Vikings 60 to 59 points. Northwest Nazarene finished as the clear three with 46 points, followed by Western Oregon (36 points) and Simon Fraser (34 points). Montana State Billings (25) Central Washington (19) and Saint Martin's (12) concluded the table.

Saint Martin's returns their top goal scorer from last year in Maddie Wolff. Wolff connected for four goals in 18 matches, including two game-winning goals over Montana State Billings, and Simon Fraser. Payton Aselton joins in the return with her two goals and two assists from last season. Taylor Goodpaster, and Rachel Kimura bring a combined two goals and five assists and over 2,000 minutes of experience to the Saints.

The Saints not only bring back veterans up front, but also on the back line, headlined by goalie Ali Campigotto. Campigotto started 15 matches last season, making 71 saves, with one shutout, and one combined shutout. Also adding experience is goalie Soph Mendoza, who carries in a 14 save, one combined shutout from 2021.

Along with the goalies, defenders Shelby Clayton and Salma Perez add their 2,500 minutes of playing time last season to the Saints' defense. Other notable returning players include Mia Fleming, Faith Hahn Landis, Taylor Copeland, and Ellison Kephart.
Saint Martin's welcomes in seven new players to the 2022 squad including, goalie Ava Kephart, defender Rose Ivanis, forward Maria Pagnotta, midfielder Brianna Yamada, midfielder Ravyn Mummey, defender Sierra Nees, and midfielder Sam Bailey.

The Saints begin the 2022 season at home against Colorado Mesa on Friday, August 26 starting at 3:00 PM.