Defending Champion University of Albany Field Hockey Chosen Third in America East Preseason Coaches' Poll - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. - Defending conference champion University at Albany has been chosen third in the 2009 America East Conference Field Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced by the league office on Thursday afternoon. New Hampshire, which last won the conference championship in 1998, garnered three of a possible five first-place votes and a total of 23 points to earn top billing in the poll.

Boston University had one first-place vote and totaled 20 points to finish second, while UAlbany garnered the final two first-place votes for 18 points. Maine (15 points), Vermont (nine points) and Fairfield (five points) rounded out the six-team ranking.

The Great Danes return seven starters from a team that claimed the program's first-ever America East title and NCAA Tournament berth last season. Senior midfielder Nicole Savage, a two-time all-conference selection, returns as the team's top scorer after tallying nine goals and two assists last season. Senior defender Jess Lindsey has already worked her way to the top of the UAlbany career assists chart, entering her final season with 39 helpers over the past three years. The Great Danes also return a strong corps of juniors and sophomores, led by all-rookie team member Christina Patrick, along with seven freshmen.

The top four teams during the regular season will compete at the 2009 America East Conference Field Hockey Championship on either November 6-8. The top seed will host the tournament, with the winner earning an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.

2009 America East Conference Field Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. New Hampshire (3) 23 points; 2. Boston U. (1) 20 points; 3. UAlbany (2) 18 points; 4. Maine 15 points; 5. Vermont 9 points; 6. Fairfield 5 points. () - first-place votes