Feb. 21, 2009

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook University's softball team is the preseason favorite to win the America East Championship, according to the conference's coaches' poll which was released on Friday. After sweeping through the postseason as a No. 3 seed last season, the Seawolves received five of a possible seven first-place votes. Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own team.

Stony Brook received 45 total points in the poll, three more than Boston University and Albany who tied for second with 42. The Terriers received two first-place votes while the Great Danes picked up one. Maine (28) was picked to finish fourth while Hartford (23) and UMBC (23) tied for fifth. Vermont (12) and Binghamton (9) round out the poll.

The Seawolves open their season on February 27th in Orlando, Fla. and will play their first conference game March 28th when they host Binghamton.

2009 America East Softball Coaches' Preseason Poll
1 StonyBrook 45 (5)
2 Boston University 42 (2)
Albany 42 (1)
4 Maine 28
5 Hartford 23
UMBC 23
7 Vermont 12
8 Binghamton 9