Women’s Lacrosse Tabbed No. 2 in America East Preseason Poll

AMERICA EAST RELEASE

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. – University at Albany women’s lacrosse was picked to finish as the runner-up in the America East with two first-place votes and 22 points, as picked by the league coaches. Stony Brook was predicted to win the league, garnering four first-place votes and 24 points total.

The Purple & Gold was picked to finish second in the preseason poll for the second consecutive time. UAlbany earned a spot in the America East tournament final last year, falling to the Seawolves 14-3 to conclude the 2013 season.

The Great Danes lost just two starters from last year’s 12-5 (5-1 AE) squad, and welcome 15 newcomers. UAlbany returns 2013 Preseason All-America selection Ariana Parker and 2013 America East Co-Rookie of the Year Rachel Bowles in the midfield; and IWLCA All-Region awardee Kathleen Lennon on defense to highlight the returners.

John Battaglino’s squad looks to get back to the NCAA Tournament for the third time in four years in 2014. The two-time America East Coach of the Year is four wins shy of 50 in his fourth season at the helm.

UMBC and New Hampshire were picked to finish tied for third with 11 points each. Vermont (5th, 11 points) and Binghamton (6th, five points) rounded out the 2014 coaches poll.

UAlbany kicks off its season on Feb. 21 at Bryant.

2014 AMERICA EAST PRESEASON POLL