Two-time defending MIAA soccer champion Central Missouri got the nod over Truman State for preseason No. 1 in the 2009 MIAA coaches poll, the league office announced Thursday.
 
The Jennies received six of nine first-place votes and totaled 62 points. Central Missouri won the MIAA title outright in 2008 after sharing the crown with Truman State in 2007. The Jennies advanced to the NCAA Division II South Central Regional tournament last season.
 
Truman State followed Central in the No. 2 spot, tallying 59 points with three first-place votes. The Bulldogs finished second in the MIAA in 2008 and have won eight of the 10 conference soccer championships. Truman was an NCAA quarterfinalist a year ago.
 
Nebraska-Omaha came in at No. 3 with 49 points. The Mavericks placed third in the MIAA in 2008 and qualified for the NCAA Tournament.
 
Washburn took the fourth spot, receiving 43 points. The Lady Blues were the fourth-place finishing team in the MIAA a year ago before making it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
 
As did the first four spots, numbers five through nine also stayed true to form from the final 2008 MIAA standings.
 
Southwest Baptist came in at No. 5 with 35 points, Northwest Missouri State was voted sixth with 30 points, Missouri Southern State was selected seventh with 22 points, Emporia State took the eighth spot with 13 points and Missouri Western State was ninth with 11 points.
 
The 2009 MIAA soccer season begins Aug. 27, with league play kicking off Sept. 10.
 
2009 MIAA Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Missouri (6) – 62 pts.
2. Truman State (3) – 59 pts.
3. Nebraska-Omaha – 49 pts.
4. Washburn – 43 pts.
5. Southwest Baptist – 35 pts.
6. Northwest Missouri State – 30 pts.
7. Missouri Southern State – 22 pts.
8. Emporia State – 13 pts.
9. Missouri Western State – 11 pts.