Aug. 13, 2015
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Four members of the No. 11 South Carolina women’s soccer team have earned a spot on the Southeastern Conference Preseason Watch List, the league announced on Thursday.
Junior midfielder Chelsea Drennan and 2014 SEC Freshman of the Year Savannah McCaskill were both named to the list along with senior forward Raina Johnson and senior midfielder Stevi Parker. Beginning in the 2011, the SEC began the watch list in lieu of announcing preseason all-conference teams.
Thursday’s announcement marked the second-straight year Drennan and McCaskill have earned the preseason honor. Drennan, who has led the Gamecocks in assists in each of the past two seasons, finished her 2014 campaign with 13 points on three goals and seven assists. The junior standout has totaled 27 points in her first two seasons at South Carolina.
McCaskill enjoyed a tremendous freshman campaign last fall, finishing with a team-high 15 points (5G, 5A). The forward led the Gamecocks with 60 shots and was one of nine South Carolina players to record a game-winner in 2014. Her 25 games started last season matched a program freshman record, and she was one of three Gamecocks to receive All-SEC honors.
Johnson earned the nod on the watch list after tallying a team-best four game-winners in 2014. She finished her junior season with five goals, and she was one of four players to record double-digit points (11). Johnson has started in all but one match for the Gamecocks over the last two seasons.
Parker, a 2014 SEC All-Tournament Team selection, started all 25 matches last season. She was voted South Carolina’s team MVP last season after recording a career-high seven points on three goals and one assist.
Each of Thursday’s four honorees will be in action on Friday (6 p.m. ET) when the Gamecocks face N.C. State on the road in what will be South Carolina’s only exhibition match of the fall. Click HERE for a full preview of the game.
Season tickets are on sale now, with soccer fans yet again getting the best deal ever offered for tickets. For $25 for adults and $10 for youth 17 and under, purchasers receive a season ticket to every women’s and men’s soccer match this season, 19 in all. In addition, season-ticket buyers receive an exclusive Gamecock Soccer scarf. To take advantage of the offer, call 800-472-3267 or click HERE today.
