New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance

Bridgewater State Chosen as Preseason League Favorite

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 Women's Lacrosse Pre-Season Poll

Order Team 2008 NEWLA/Overall 2008 NEWLA Finish Points

1. Bridgewater State 7-0 / 15-5 1st 62 (6)

2. Castleton 6-1 / 10-8 2nd 58 (2)

3. Worcester State 5-2 / 9-6 3rd 47

4. Westfield State 4-3 / 8-7 4th 38

5. Fitchburg State 3-4 / 5-9 5th 33

6. Becker 1-6 / 2-10 7th 21

7. Elms 2-5 / 4-9 6th 20

8. Thomas 0-7 / 2-8 8th 9

Note: Points in are awarded in descending order with first-place votes (in parentheses) earning 8 points through eighth-place votes which are worth one point. Records shown are 2008 conference and overall records with last season's regular season conference finish.