Bellevue favored in NSAA Men's Soccer Poll

MADISON, S.D. -- For the second year in a row the defending North Star Athletic Association regular-season and tournament champions Bellevue were picked to win the 2016 NSAA Men's Soccer title as the preseason poll was announced Tuesday by the conference office. The Bruins earned four first place votes and collected 24 points to place first in the poll, which was voted on by the league's head coaches.

Jamestown picked up the final first place vote and earned 18 votes to finish second in the poll. Waldorf totaled 16 points to place third, followed by Viterbo in fourth with 11 points. Presentation rounded out the poll in fifth with six points.

Bellevue won the regular-season title in 2015 with a 3-0-1 league record. The Bruins defeated the Jimmies, 2-1, in the NSAA Championship Game to complete the double and gain a bid to the NAIA National Tournament for the third-straight season.

The NSAA Tournament will be held in November at a site yet to be determined.

The 2016 NSAA women's soccer regular-season will see each team play four conference games.

Bellevue is coming off a 12-4-4 season (3-0-1 NSAA) and reached the NAIA National Tournament for the fifth time in program history. First-year head coach Mark Heath-Preston will oversee a roster which returns 13 letter-winners from last year's squad.

The Bruins open their regular-season on Friday, Aug. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in Crete, Neb. against Doane. The first home game is set for 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 22 against Northwestern. The conference slate will kick off on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 3 p.m. in La Crosse, Wis. against Viterbo.

Here is the complete 2016 NSAA Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll:

1. Bellevue (4) – 24
2. Jamestown (1) – 18
3. Waldorf – 16
4. Viterbo – 11
5. Presentation – 6

Key Returners: