Women's Lacrosse Picked to Tie for Third in America East Conference Preseason Poll

Cambridge, Mass. - After winning nine games and posting its first winning record since 2000, UAlbany has been chosen to finish in a tie for third in the America East Conference women's lacrosse preseason poll, as announced on Thursday, Feb. 4 by the conference office. Defending champion Boston University is the unanimous favorite to win the conference title, as voted by the league's head coaches.

Head coach Lindsay Hart is in her fifth season at the helm. The Great Danes have 17 returning letterwinners, including nine starters, from last year's 9-8 squad that advanced to the America East semifinals.

Kayla Best, a two-time first-team all-conference selection, ranked fourth in goals (2.62 pg) and seventh in scoring (3.31 ppg) among the America East leaders last year. Best, who accounted for 42 goals and 11 assists, has scored at least one goal in 46 consecutive games. Nikki Branchini, who like Best was named to the IWLCA/U.S. Lacrosse all-region squad, also earned first-team all-league honors. The junior defender was seventh among the NCAA national leaders in draw controls (3.82 pg), plus collected 42 ground balls. Jodi Battaglia (38 goals, 5 assists) and Mel Rorie (40 goals, 8 assists) were among the conference's top scorers. Battaglia and Rorie received All-America East first- and second-team recognition, respectively.

The top four teams in the conference's regular-season standings will advance to the America East Championship with the winner receiving an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The America East postseason tournament will be played May 6 and 8 at the facility of the highest seed.

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2010 America East Conference Women's Lacrosse Preseason Poll
1. Boston U. (6) 35, 2. New Hampshire 29, t3. Vermont (1) 23, t3. Albany 23, 5. UMBC 19, 6. Stony Brook 10, 7. Binghamton 7.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information