Bridgewater State Chosen as Preseason League Favorite
Three-time 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 seven first place votes for a total of 63 points. Bridgewater State, one of only two institutions to have won a NEWLA championship since 1998, returns nine starters including the two-time NEWLA Defensive Player of the Year of the Year Erin Quimby and two-time all-conference first team selection Jenny Jones on attack.
Castleton, which finished in a three way tie last season at 6-1 received one first place votes and 53 points and placed second in the poll. The Spartans return seven starters including 2009 Offensive Player of the Year Marie VanDerKar.
Westfield State, which finished 6-1 in league play a season ago received one first place votes and 52 points. The Owls are bringing back 10 starters and will be led by a trio of first team all-conference performers; senior midfielder Rachel Dionne, senior attacker Laura Chiricosta and junior midfielder Carly Keeley.
2011 NEWLA Coaches Poll
- Bridgewater State - 63 (7)
- Castleton - 53
- Westfield State - 52 (1)
- Fitchburg State - 37
- Worcester State - 30
- Framingham State - 29
- Becker - 16
- Elms - 8
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.
