HENNIKER, N.H. – The New England College field hockey team was picked to finish 4th in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Preseason Poll conducted by the league's 10 head coaches.
Reigning GNAC Champions, Dean College, were picked to finish first with four first-place votes, while St. Joseph's College of Maine was selected to finish second with two first-place votes and 86 points. Colby-Sawyer followed closely behind in the third spot, receiving three first-place votes and 85 points, while NEC claimed the fourth slot with 73 points. Lasell rounds out the top five, receiving one first-place vote and 56 points.
NEC has reached the GNAC semifinals in all three seasons in the league, and the team will look to break through with their first GNAC championship appearance in year four.
The Pilgrims start their season on Friday, September 4, as they face Keene State on the road. Their conference slate begins two weeks later on Saturday, September 19th, when they host Simmons.
Preseason Poll Results:
- Dean (4) - 89
- Saint Joseph's (Maine) (2) - 86
- Colby-Sawyer (3) - 85
- New England College - 73
- Lasell (1) - 56
- Simmons - 47
- University of Saint Joseph (Conn.) - 46
- Rivier - 37
- Regis - 20
- Elms - 11
For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
