Yellow Jackets Place Three on Preseason Watch List

GREENWOOD, Ind. – The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference released its preseason poll on Tuesday morning. The Yellow Jackets received 33 points, which ranked them eighth in the poll. Defiance placed three of its members on the Preseason Players to Watch List.

Jordanne Buehrer, Karly Smith, and Janelle Doenges were each selected by the other HCAC coaches as players who will likely have a major impact in the conference.

Buehrer is a senior returning starter who looks to anchor the defense for the Yellow Jackets this season. Being one of only three seniors on this year's squad, Buehrer's experience and leadership will be relied upon heavily.

Smith returns to Defiance as a sophomore, looking to build upon her success from last season. In the 2010 campaign Smith scored four goals and tallied two assists to earn Second-Team All-HCAC honors.

Last season's leading goal scorer is also a returning member of this year's team. In her first season Doenges totaled 12 points, which consisted of five goals and two assists. Doenges provided the game-winning goal against Waynesburg on September 4 and will be counted on to provide the same offensive firepower this year for the Yellow Jackets.

Other key returners include junior midfielder Katie Heitkamp, sophomore defender Kim Bingley, senior defender Alexandra Johnson, and sophomore defender Dani Chadwick.

All four of last season's starting defenders are returning for the Yellow Jackets this season. The returning experience will be a valuable asset in the 2011 campaign.

Defiance will be led by second year coach Alex Van der Sluijs. The team looks to improve upon last year's 4-9-4 regular season record and a 2-5-2 conference record.

Transylvania was selected first in the HCAC preseason poll receiving 98 total points. The Pioneers were followed by Hanover (87), Earlham (80), Mount St. Joseph (70) and Rose-Hulman (59). 

The women's soccer team kicks off the season hosting the Defiance Classic. The Yellow Jackets will host St. Mary's on September 2 at 5 p.m. at Winsper-Knobel Memorial Field.