BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Senior Krista Kissell of the Lafayette women's soccer team was selected as the Patriot League Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, the league office announced on Tuesday morning. Classmate Sophie Saldivar joins Kissell on the Preseason All-Patriot League as the Leopards were picked to finish sixth in the Patriot League Preseason Poll.

Kissell, the 2019 Offensive Player of the Year in the conference, netted four goals a year ago and led the league with six assists for 14 points in her junior season. A First-Team All-Patriot League honoree, her shining moment came against Colgate on Oct. 5 as her game-winner in overtime gave Lafayette its first-ever win over the Raiders.

"Kris has established herself as one of the very best players in the League," head coach Mick Statham said. "She takes excellent care of herself, is very smart and gives 100 percent to her performance levels on and off the field every single day."

Saldivar, a Third-Team All-Patriot League selection as a junior, has patrolled the midfield throughout her career for the Maroon and White. She started all 18 games a season ago and finished second in the conference in scoring with a team-high six goals. Saldivar's goal in the 87th minute against Boston U. on Nov. 2 sent the Leopards to the postseason for the third in the last four seasons.

"I'm really pleased that the league voters recognized Sophie's efforts and ability," Statham added. "She is a wonderful talent, superb athlete and an intense competitor. She's a game changer."

Following a 7-6-5 overall record a year ago and a 3-2-4 mark in conference play, the Leopards were picked behind league-favorite Navy, followed by Army, Colgate, Boston U. and Loyola in the preseason poll. Rounding out the poll behind Lafayette were Holy Cross, Lehigh, Bucknell and American.

The Leopards open action on March 6, hosting Bucknell at Oaks Stadium at 2 p.m.