NECC Releases 2013 Women's Soccer Preseason Poll

ATTLEBORO, Mass.-Lesley University is the coaches choice to finish atop the 2013 NECC women's soccer standings. The Lynx, who received eight first place votes and 98 points, return seven starters including 2011 NECC Player of the Year Veronica Halen and 2012 first team standouts Taylor Smith and Alexis Giusti. Lesley is the defending NECC champion and has not lost in regular season conference play since 2008.

BayPath was slated to finish 8th out of ten teams. The Wildcats are under new direction with former Elms Men's Soccer Coach Christopher Streeter taking over the reigns. Streeter returns to his roots and Bay Path and hopes to return the program to ist winning tradition. The Wildcats return 14 student-athletes this season including senior Keelin Dougherty. Dougherty has been in top 25 in the NECC in scroing and points all three seasons of play.

Regis College placed second with 88 points and two first place votes. Last season's runner up, the Pride will be led by NECC Goalkeeper of the Year sophomore Rachel Gagnon and junior forward Kristen Abreu.

Elms College finished third in the poll followed by Becker College. The Blazers, who garnered 77 points in the poll, bring back three starters and will look to make a fresh start under first-year head coach Sean Milbier. Becker also has a young squad with just three returning starters and will look to replace last year's NECC Player of the Year Caroline Plunkett who graduated.

2013 NECC Women's Soccer Coaches Poll

1. Lesley - 98 (8)

2. Regis - 88 (2)

3. Elms - 77

4. Becker - 67

5. Mitchell - 57

T6. Newbury - 47

T6. Southern Vermont - 47

8. Bay Path - 29

9. Wheelock - 28

10. Daniel Webster - 12