PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The University of Southern Maine has been named the favorite to win the Little East Conference (LEC) softball title, according to the results of the 2023 LEC Preseason Softball Coaches’ Poll. The Huskies totaled 59 points and received four first-place votes. They posted an overall record of 24-16 a year ago, and tied for second in the LEC with a 13-3 league record.
UMass Dartmouth was just two points back of USM in the coaches’ poll, totaling 57 points and three first-place votes. The Corsairs final record stood at 33-10-1 last season, which ended in the LEC tournament final following a 13-3 regular season in conference play.
Defending LEC regular season and tournament champion Eastern Connecticut State University was picked to finish third this season, totaling 55 points and securing two first-place votes. The Warriors, who lost a number of key contributors from their 2022 squad, went 44-7 last season as they won the NCAA regional and super regional championships on their way to a berth in the College World Series.
Also projected to be in the 2023 LEC tournament field are Castleton University (41 points), Rhode Island College (31 points) and UMass Boston (29 points). The complete poll results are as follows.
2023 LEC PRESEASON SOFTBALL COACHES’ POLL
Team – Points (FPV)
1. Southern Maine – 59 (4)
2. UMass Dartmouth – 57 (3)
3. Eastern Connecticut – 55 (2)
4. Castleton – 41
5. Rhode Island College – 31
6. UMass Boston – 29
7. Plymouth State – 26
8. Western Connecticut – 18
9. Keene State – 8
NOTE: Head coaches are not permitted to vote for their own team.
Original source can be found here.
