Field Hockey Tabbed Third in NE-10 Preseason Census
SOUTH EASTON, Mass. (Sept. 4, 2013) - On Wednesday, the LIU Post field hockey team was selected third by the league's 11 head coaches in the annual Northeast-10 Conference Preseason Poll. The Pioneers, who earned a No. 7 national ranking just a week ago, claimed 76 points and one first-place vote in the tally.
Merrimack topped the census, racking up 96 points and seven first-place nods. Bentley followed in second with 83 points and one first-place vote. LIU Post narrowly beat out Stonehill (74 points, two first-place votes) for third, while Adelphi and Assumption tied for fifth, accumulating 62 points apiece.
Southern Connecticut (41 points) landed in the No. 7 slot. Saint Michael's (33 points) and Saint Anselm (31 points) subsequently came in eighth, and ninth, respectively. American International (29 points) and Franklin Pierce (18 points) rounded out the 11-team census.
In 2012, the Pioneers posted a 7-10 overall record, alongside a 3-7 conference mark, in their final season in the PSAC. Forwards Carlee Dragon (Bridgewater, N.J.) and Keliann Margiotta (Sewell, N.J.) led the offensive charge, combining for 73 points. As a result, Dragon was an NFHCA All-America first-team pick, and Margiotta landed PSAC East Freshman of the Year recognition.
Head Coach Raenee Savin and her LIU Post squad kick off the 2013 campaign next Wednesday (Sept, 11) at NE-10 foe American International. Action is set for a 7 p.m. start.
2013 Northeast-10 Field Hockey Preseason Poll
1. Merrimack (Seven First-Place Votes) - 96 Points
2. Bentley (One First-Place Vote) - 83 Points
3. LIU Post (One First-Place Vote) - 76 Points
4. Stonehill (Two First-Place Votes) - 74 Points
T-5. Adelphi - 62 Points
T-5. Assumption - 62 Points
7. Southern Connecticut State - 41 Points
8. Saint Michael's - 33 Points
9. Saint Anselm - 31 Points
10. American International - 29 Points
11. Franklin Pierce - 18 Points