The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference announced Thursday that Canisius has been selected to finish fourth in the MAAC Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll. In addition junior midfielder Emma Oliphant was tabbed to the Preseason All-MAAC Team.
 
The 2022 season saw the Golden Griffins post a 5-5-10 overall record and recorded a 3-2-5 ledger in MAAC play. Earning them No. 5 overall seed in the MAAC Championship. The Griffs would make it to the second round after defeating Rider in penalty kicks and losing to the eventual tournament champion Quinnipiac. The Golden Griffins allowed the least amount of goals in the conference last season (14).
 
Oliphant is the lone Canisius representative on the 2023 Preseason All-MAAC Team. The junior returns to the lineup after posting two goals and three assists for seven points during her sophomore campaign. The Burlington, Ontario native started 18 of the 19 games Canisius played last season being selected to the All-MAAC Second Team.
 
The Golden Griffins received 73 points in the MAAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, trailing the reining regular season champions Quinnipiac who received 6 first-place votes with 115 points. Trailing closely behind was Fairfield with 4 first-place votes and 112 points. Round out the top three was Niagara with 1 first-place vote and 90 points. Fourth is the highest Canisius has been selected to finish since 2011, when they were tabbed second.
 
The Griffs are set to officially open the season Thursday, Aug. 17th at home versus Colgate. Kickoff at the Demske Sports Complex is scheduled for 6pm.