SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior women's soccer team has been selected to finish first in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) in 2023, receiving seven first place votes, as the conference released its preseason poll in an announcement Wednesday.
 
UW-Superior compiled 49 points in this year's poll, placing them ahead of Northwestern who earned 40 points. Bethany Lutheran earned the final first-place nod amongst UMAC coaches, sitting in third place with 39 points.
 
The Yellowjackets welcome seven newcomers in 2023 and return 3 key contributors from last season, including Niya Wilson (Superior, Wis./Superior Senior), Lindrey Schendel (Firestone, Colo./Skyline) and Mya Holmquist (Buffalo, Minn./Buffalo).
 
Despite injury, Wilson was named to the All-UMAC First Team for the second consecutive season in 2022. She compiled 13 goals and 10 assists for 36 points, which was the third-best across the conference. Additionally, she was ranked sixth-best in the league with 36 shots on goal, and fifth best with 65 total shots.
 
Schendel was named All-UMAC First Team and UMAC Defensive Player of the Year in the 2022 season. Schendel found the back of the net three times and added eight assists for fourteen total points on the campaign.  
 
Holmquist was named to the All-UMAC First team and UW-Superior's Female Athlete of the Year, receiving the Dr. Lydia Thering Award for her outstanding play. Leading the team in goals (21), assists (13), and total shots (90) while also totaling 54 shots on goal in the 2022 season.
 
Crown compiled 30 points, while Minnesota Morris earned 25 points, and Martin Luther 19 points. Rounding out the list was Northland with 15 points and North Central with 7 points.
 
The Yellowjackets hit the road Sept. 1 to face Gustavus Adolphus. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. at the Gusties Soccer Field.