Cincinnati Soccer: Ashley Barron, Vanessa DiNardo placed on All-AAC preseason team

Prior to the season opener against Northern Kentucky, a pair of Cincinnati soccer players appeared on the All-AAC preseason team as senior defender Ashley Barron and graduate forward Vanessa DiNardo were included among the best athletes in the conference.

In addition to being named the AAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year for a third consecutive season, Barron was one of just two unanimous selections on the all-conference team alongside South Florida sophomore defender Vivianne Bessette.

After winning back to back AAC Defensive Player of the Year awards, Barron is looking to cap off her historical career on a high note. The Toledo native became just the sixth player in school history to have been named the conference’s top defender.

Bearcats head coach Neil Stafford discussed Barron’s impact via Cincinnati Athletics:

"“Ashley is a high character young woman. She is an intense competitor and raises the standards within the program, even academically, and she leads by example. I think kids look up to her.”"

Cincinnati Soccer: Ashley Barron, Vanessa DiNardo placed on All-AAC preseason team

DiNardo earned a spot on the All-AAC Second Team after scoring a team-high nine goals and 19 points on 43 shots last season. The graduate student started all 17 matches and logged 1,474 minutes en route to the best year of her career so far.

Barron and DiNardo provide an experienced leader on both ends of the field as the Bearcats look to improve from a year ago and compete for a conference championship. Cincinnati was picked to finish tied for fifth place in the final AAC standings.

Following the matchup on Thursday night, the Bearcats will host Michigan State on Sunday afternoon before hitting the road for a trip to Bowling Green. Cincinnati started 4-1-1 last season before struggling to sustain that level of play in conference.

Barron explained her expectations for this season per Cincinnati Athletics:

"“I’m super excited for this year. I know how hard my teammates and I worked over the summer. We’re all very dedicated, disciplined and intentional with everything we’re doing. It’s going to be a really good season.”"