Mississippi State Soccer Places Five on SEC Preseason Watch List
August 14, 2024 | Soccer
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State Soccer continues to garner national recognition, as five Bulldogs have been named to the prestigious SEC Preseason Watch List. Maddy Anderson, Rylie Combs, Macey Hodge, Hannah Johnson and Aitana Martinez-Montoya represent the Maroon and White, reflecting the program's growing strength under head coach James Armstrong.
Macey Hodge returns to the list after a stellar 2023 campaign, where she was named to the All-SEC First Team and the 2023 NCAA All-Southeast Region Second Team. Hodge appeared in 22 matches as a senior, recording assists against Grand Canyon and Tennessee. Known for her endurance, Hodge played the full 90 minutes 17 times, including a season-high 110 minutes against Providence in the NCAA Tournament. Hodge earned a spot at No. 45 on TopDrawerSoccer's Top-100 Players List on Wednesday.
Rylie Combs earns her first SEC Preseason Watch List nod after starting all 23 matches as a junior in 2023. Combs was a stalwart on the backline in 2023, logging 2,022 minutes and contributing offensively with an assist against Northwestern State and multiple shots in key matches. Comb's defensive skills and ability to pressure the opposition make her an invaluable part of the Bulldogs' defense.
Maddy Anderson is another returning standout, named to the All-SEC Second Team in 2023. Anderson set a new program record with 12 wins as a senior, achieving a remarkable save percentage of .818%. She allowed only 0.69 goals per game and secured 11 shutouts, leading the Bulldogs to the fewest goals ever allowed in a single season (16). Anderson's record-breaking performance in minutes played (2,092) and clutch saves solidifies her reputation as one of the top goalkeepers in the league.
Hannah Johnson also makes her first appearance on the list after a breakout junior season where she started all 23 matches. Johnson showcased her offensive prowess, scoring the Bulldogs' first goal of the 2023 season and adding two more goals against Tennessee. Johnson led the team in shots with 67 and was a key contributor in several matches, including assists against LSU, Kentucky, and Alabama.
Aitana Martinez-Montoya rounds out the selections, bringing a potent attacking threat to the Bulldogs. As a junior, Martinez-Montoya appeared in 23 matches with 22 starts, leading the team with six goals and amassing 13 points. She scored in her first game as a Bulldog against Grand Canyon and added crucial goals against Northwestern State, Miami, Florida, and Alabama. Martinez-Montoya's ability to find the back of the net will be key to MSU's success in 2024.
For the most up-to-date information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU women's soccer on X, like them on Facebook, and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateSoc."
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