Women's Lacrosse Ranked 6th In NEWLA Preseason Poll

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.

 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