INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The Horizon League has released its 2024 #HLMSOC Preseason Poll, with the Golden Grizzlies sitting atop the poll.

The Golden Grizzlies earned 75 points, the most in the league putting them at the top, along with three first place votes, tied with Green Bay for the most.

"We are honored to be held in such high regard by our HL Conference opponents. The Horizon League looks very strong this fall and I expect every team to be in the HL regular season hunt," said Oakland Head Coach Paul Doroh. 

After being voted third in the 2023 Horizon League Preseason Poll, the Golden Grizzlies ran through the conference, earning their second regular season title in three years, before making a run to the league championship game. On the season Oakland ranked second in goals scored (25), third in assists (25), first in saves (97), and was home to three of the league's top ten goal scorers and two of the top ten assist-men.

Oakland is poised to make another run at the league title, returning three All-League and All-Freshman players in Carson Ballagh, Jace Foster, and Noah Roka. The team is full of both youth and experience, with senior captains Alex Flowers and Gabriel Baylon leading the charge, along with junior and 2023 Horizon League All-Tournament Team member Marco Mazzei.

The Golden Grizzlies will also feature several new key players that are projected to make an immediate impact. Brother of Marco Mazzei, Francesco Mazzei, will be featured on the team after transferring in from Trine University. Andriy Bilous will also be added via the portal after a sensational freshman season at St. Francis University where he scored five goals and four assists. Freshman defender Markus Weinerroither is also a new addition, via Austria, completing a group of new additions who bring ball skills and size to the roster, all standing above six feet tall. Andrija Stozinic, Harry Phantis, and Milan Dajic round out the pool of international additions as well. 

The freshmen class for Oakland is also deep, including goalkeepers Quentin Ubaydi, Jayden Quemada, and Cole Thompson, Evan Combs, Miller Knestrict, and Tyler Matuzak. This group is full of players that are poised to play important roles now, and in the future.

The Golden Grizzlies have been patiently awaiting their moment to return to the top of the mountain, and they know it won't come without the same hard work that got them there, taking everything day by day, game by game.

Doroh added, "We will also be putting the work in and we're excited for the regular season to begin. It's nice to be recognized as a top team in the HL, but our mindset will be to prove that in every game this season."

See the full #HLMSOC Preseason Poll Results below:

2024 Under Armour #HLMSOC Preseason Poll
Place. Team (First Place Votes) – Points
1. Oakland (3) – 75
2. Cleveland State (1) – 73
T3. Green Bay (3) – 71
T3. IU Indianapolis (1) – 71
5. Purdue Fort Wayne (1) – 66
6. Detroit Mercy – 49
7. RMU – 43
8. Milwaukee – 41
9. Wright State (1) – 38
10. Northern Kentucky – 23