Worcester, MA- The Worcester State Field Hockey Team finished ranked in the top three in the Little East Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, as announced Thursday by the league.
The Lancers, who fell to eventual LEC Field Hockey Champions Eastern Connecticut in the semi-finals last year, look to return the conference finals and bring back home the LEC Championship in their final season with the conference. Worcester finished third in the preseason ranking with two out of the 13 first place votes and 122 points, sitting behind Keene State with six first place votes and 134 points and Eastern Connecticut with five first place and 132 points. These three teams, along with Southern Maine, who finished fourth in the preseason poll with 117 points, rounded out the top four teams at the conclusion of the 2021 season.
In a repeat of last year, the Lancers were the top team in the poll of MASCAC core members, who currently are all affiliate members of the LEC. Westfield State finished in fifth, Salem State in 10th, Bridgewater in 11th, Fitchburg 12th and Framingham with the final spot in the preseason poll.
Worcester State will start their season on September 1 at 7pm at home against Anna Maria College.
2022 LEC Field Hockey Preseason Poll Ranking
1. Keene State - 134 points (6 FPV)
2. Eastern Connecticut - 132 points (5 FPV)
3. Worcester State - 122 points (2 FPV)
4. Southern Maine - 117 points
5. Westfield State - 92 points
6. Plymouth State - 77 points
7. Castleton - 71 points
8. Western Connecticut - 58 points
9. UMass Dartmouth - 54 points
10. Salem State - 36 points
11. Bridgewater State - 26 points
12. Fitchburg State - 22 points
13. Framingham State - 21 points