Defending champion Bridgewater State was selected as the women’s lacrosse preseason favorite of the New England Women’s Lacrosse Alliance in a vote conducted by the league’s coaches. The Bears received six first place votes for a total of 62 points. Bridgewater State, one of only two institutions to have won a NEWLA championship since 1998, returns eight starters including NEWLA Offensive Player of the Year Shannon Manning and NEWLA Rookie of the Year Jenny Jones.

Castleton, which finished 6-1 in league play a season ago received two first place votes and 58 points. The Spartans return seven starters including first-team all-conference selections Marie Vanderkar and Deedee Schroeder.

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2009 NEWLA Coaches Poll

1. Bridgewater State - 62 (6)
2. Castleton - 58 (2)
3. Worcester State - 47
4. Westfield State - 38
5. Fitchburg State - 33
6. Becker - 21
7. Elms - 20
8. Thomas - 9
   

Note: Points in are awarded in descending order with first-place votes (in parentheses) earning 8 points through eighth-place votes which are worth one point. Records shown are 2008 conference and overall records with last season’s regular season conference finish.