Stetson men's soccer was picked to finish fifth in the Atlantic Sun Conference preseason poll, while three Hatters – Eli Beates, Lucas Diniz, and Jeppe Moe – were voted to the preseason all-conference squad, the league office announced on Monday.

Voting was conducted by A-Sun head coaches. Stetson received 16 votes in the six-team poll, finishing just behind fourth-placed Jacksonville (17 votes). Defending conference champion FGCU was picked to repeat as champion and followed in the poll by North Florida, Lipscomb, Jacksonville, Stetson and USC Upstate.

Beates, Diniz and Moe were all 2014 post-season honorees in the A-Sun. Beates was a first-team selection after scoring five goals, including four in league play. Diniz earned second-team honors after leading the conference in points (23) and assists (8). Moe received All-Freshman accolades as a defender after starting all 17 matches and dishing four assists.

“It's always nice to see our players recognized for their hard work and contributions on the field,” said Stetson head coach Ernie Yarborough. “Lucas, Eli and Jeppe will be important pieces to our team's success this year and I am very happy they have garnered attention for their efforts thus far in their careers.”

The Hatters return 17 letter winners from last season's 8-7-2 squad. Stetson was 4-2-0 in conference play in Yarborough's inaugural season, helping him to A-Sun Coach of the Year honors.

Diniz and junior goalkeeper Paul Ladwig (right) also earned additional honors, as they were voted by fans as the Preseason Player and Goalkeeper of the Year, respectively.

Stetson plays two more exhibition games – Tuesday at USF and Friday at home vs. Rollins – before opening the 2015 regular season on Friday, Aug. 28 at Georgia Southern.

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