WIAC Preseason Poll Has Pioneers In Third

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's soccer team was picked to finish third in the 2024 WIAC Preseason Poll the league announced on Thursday afternoon.

UW-La Crosse, who claimed both the regular season and conference tournament titles a year ago, finished atop the poll. UW-Eau Claire was just ahead of UW-Platteville for second, while UW-Oshkosh and UW-Stevens Point took fourth and fifth, respectively. UW-Whitewater, UW-River Falls, and UW-Stout rounded out the final three spots in the poll.

The Pioneers made their first WIAC Tournament Championship appearance last season and look to build on that momentum with 22 letterwinners and 10 starters returning. Eliza Denmeade enters her second year as head coach after leading UW-Platteville to a 10-3-5 record, including a 4-1-2 mark in conference play.

Two of the top returners are senior forwards Arianna Lombardi and Lydia Smith, who are both coming off seasons that saw them named All-Region and All-WIAC. Lombardi paced the WIAC in several offensive categories including goals (9) and points (24), while Smith pitched in with six goals and four assists. Joining them up front will be senior Alyssa Peterson, who added four goals of her own.

Senior Anna Spindle leads the midfield after being earning WIAC Honorable Mention honors last season following a two-goal campaign. On the backline, senior Lauren Lodico and sophomore Lexi Ward headline the defense in front of sophomore goalkeeper Madison Way, who was also tabbed WIAC Honorable Mention after finishing second in the WIAC in both goals against average (.470) and save percentage (.862).

The Pioneers begin the season on Friday, August 30 with the 2024 home opener against Beloit at 5 p.m. WIAC play begins at home on Saturday, October 5 at 5 p.m.