LOCK HAVEN — Slippery Rock University is favored to win the PSAC West women's soccer title this season, according to the preseason coaches poll.

The Rock received two first-place votes and six second-place votes. Mercyhurst and Gannon are picked second and third, respectively.

SRU returns its top two scorers in All-PSAC selections Alison Hindley and Ashley Paganie. Senior goalkeeper Sarah Lacey also returns.

BOSTON — John Smoltz was released by the Boston Red Sox.The Red Sox, who have dropped six of their past 10 games, had until Monday to trade, release or send Smoltz to the minors.The right-hander signed with the Red Sox last January after two decades with Atlanta, hoping he could recover from shoulder surgery. But he struggled. After eight starts with the Red Sox, Smoltz was 2-5 with an 8.32 ERA.Smoltz was one of the best pressure pitchers of his time, going 15-4 with four saves and a 2.65 ERA in the postseason. That record had prompted Boston to sign him to a $5.5 million, one-year contract.

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — The head of the NFL Players Association is bracing players for a possible 2011 lockout.Executive director DeMaurice Smith told reporters at Colts camp that he is convinced owners will lock players out when the current labor deal expires after next season.