PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The University of Southern Maine has been named the favorite to win the Little East Conference (LEC) baseball championship, according to the results of the 2023 LEC Preseason Baseball Coaches’ Poll. The Huskies totaled 57 points and received four first-place votes. They posted an overall record of 21-19 a year ago, and finished fourth in the LEC with a 10-6 league record.
Rhode Island College was picked to finish second in the LEC in 2023, totaling 53 points and two first place votes, putting the Anchormen just a single point in front of defending LEC and National Champion Eastern Connecticut State University and UMass Boston.
The Warriors lost a number of players to graduation after going 49-3 overall last season, closing the year out with a 23-game winning streak on their way to winning the fifth NCAA Division III title in program history. The Anchormen went 29-10-1 in 2022, and finished second in the LEC with a 13-3 league record, while the Beacons finished third in the LEC (11-5) on their way to a 26-17 overall record.
Also projected to be in the 2023 LEC tournament field are UMass Dartmouth (36 points) and Castleton University (24 points). The complete poll results are as follows.
Team – Points (FPV)
1. Southern Maine – 57 (4)
2. Rhode Island College – 53 (2)
T3. Eastern Connecticut – 52 (2)
T3. UMass Boston – 52 (1)
5. UMass Dartmouth – 36
6. Castleton – 24
7. Plymouth State – 20
8. Keene State – 17
9. Western Connecticut – 13
NOTE: Head coaches are not permitted to vote for their own team.
Original source can be found here.
