HENNIKER, N.H. – The New England College softball team was selected fifth in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) North Division preseason poll.  

In the North Division, Simmons University was picked to finish first, receiving three first-place votes and 81 total points. Rivier was slotted second with four first-place votes and 79 points, while Emmanuel claimed the third spot, receiving four first-place votes and 77 total points.  

Saint Joseph's (Maine) was voted fourth, receiving three first-place votes and 70 total points, while NEC, Norwich, and Colby-Sawyer finished fifth through seventh, respectively.  

In the South Division, Albertus Magnus was tabbed first, receiving seven first-place votes and 90 total points. The 2025 GNAC runner-up, the University of Saint Joseph (Conn.), finished second with seven first-place votes and 88 points. Lasell, Regis, Mitchell, Elms, and Dean round out the three through seven spots.  

The Pilgrims begin their season on March 2nd in Melbourne, Florida, before returning north to open conference play on March 21st in a doubleheader at Lasell University. The team's home GNAC opener is scheduled for March 29th, as they welcome intrastate rival Colby-Sawyer to Henniker for a doubleheader. 

North Division 

1. Simmons (3) - 81 

2. Rivier (4) - 79 

3. Emmanuel (4) - 77 

4. Saint Joseph's (Maine) (3) - 70 

5. New England College - 40 

6. Norwich - 27 

7. Colby-Sawyer - 18 

South Division 

1. Albertus Magnus (7) - 90 

2. University of Saint Joseph (Conn.) (7) - 88 

3. Lasell - 56 

4. Regis - 55 

5. Mitchell - 54 

6. Elms - 25 

7. Dean - 24 

For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram