Defending champion Castleton State College has been chosen to finish at the top of the 2009 conference field hockey standings in a vote by the league's coaches. The Spartans received three first place votes and have three returning starters that look to replace five departing seniors that earned all-conference honors. Castleton was 5-1 in league play a season ago and won the conference championship in overtime.
Husson University also received three first place votes and 52 points for second place in the poll. The Eagles will be anchored by defender Jenika Kelley a first-team honoree last season.
The University of Maine at Farmington and Saint Joseph's College of Maine each received one first place vote and tied for third in the poll with 47 points. Farmington will be led by first-team all-conference performer Emma Deans while the Monks return standout forward Kayla Nowell who led the conference in points last season.
The conference welcomes new member and first year program Rivier to the league.
2009 Field Hockey Preseason Coaches Poll
|
1. |
Castleton |
58 (3) |
|
2. |
Husson |
52 (3) |
|
T-3. |
Farmington |
47 (1) |
|
T-3. |
St. Joseph's Maine |
47 (1) |
|
5. |
Thomas |
34 |
|
6. |
Simmons |
21 |
|
7. |
Lasell |
19 |
|
8. |
Rivier |
10 |
*Article courtesy of NAC Communications.