Spring sports pre-season polls release

The MAC conference spring preseason coaches’ polls have indicated a promising season for a multitude of sports across campus. 

Women’s softball was picked third overall, taking two of the nine first place votes, where three and four were given to Misericordia and Arcadia, respectively. The two-time defending conference champions went 19-19 last season, earning their first-ever NCAA victory as well, although not their first appearance at the tournament.  

After their 18-3 season last year and appearance in the NCAA tournament, which was the fifth in team history, women’s lacrosse is the favorite coming into this season, raking in six of the nine total first place votes among coaches. 

Men’s lacrosse received all eight first place votes, putting the two-time defending conference champions as the favorite coming into this season. Following their 13-8 season, going 8-0 in conference games, and with a record of winning their last 21 games against conference opponents, men’s lacrosse is projected to have yet another successful season.

Men’s volleyball was also named the favorite, taking home six of 10 first-place votes with the other four going to Messiah. Following their NCAA semifinal appearance, and considering that no players graduated off the team, men’s volleyball is expected to have another strong season.

Men’s baseball was picked to be ranked second, receiving one first place vote after Arcadia, which came in the lead with seven first place votes. Last season, Men’s baseball went 29-16, including their first NCAA appearance since 2014. 

Men’s Tennis preseason poll earned them all seven first place votes, putting them in first coming off their 14-5 season with a 6-0 record in in-conference play. Last season they also had their 14th ever NCAA appearance, making it past the first round. 

Women’s tennis was also named the favorite in the rankings, taking in six of eight first-place votes as defending conference champions. Last season, women’s tennis had a record of 12-5, going 7-0 during conference play.

Last season’s performances and coaches’ polls have projected a very successful season for spring sports. All teams have the talent and enthusiasm from players and coaches that assure that this season will be an exciting one.