Nevada women's soccer predicted to finish last in WAC

For the fourth consecutive year the Nevada women's soccer team was selected to finish last in the Western Athletic Conference coaches' preseason poll. The Wolf Pack, who had their most successful season ever in 2002 by going 4-14-1, received 10 votes.

Southern Methodist University, the defending WAC champion, was picked to finish first. The Mustangs return seven starters from their 2002 team that finished 13-6-4 and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Hawai'i was picked second, followed by Fresno State, UTEP, Tulsa, Rice, Boise State and San Jose State.

In January, Nevada coach Dang Pibulvech had his contract extended through the 2003 season. Pibulvech has made an effort to sign local talent. Of the nine recruits he signed in February, four of them were local players. Douglas High's Terran Hadlock, who helped the Tigers to the Northern 4A championship, signed with Nevada, as did Reno High's Brinn Skau, Reed's Jen Mavis and Sparks' Kristin Vietti. In all, there are twelve players on the Wolf Pack's 2003 roster, including Carson High's Ali Banister and Galena's Annie Baxter.

Baxter, who will be a junior, was named to the 2002 Verizon Academic All-District VIII second team. The Pre-Engineering major tied the Nevada single season scoring record last season with seven goals.