BOSTON – With softball season three weeks away, the Stony Brook University softball team was picked second in the America East Preseason Poll. The Seawolves earned 29 points and two first-place votes in the league's preseason coaches' poll.
 
Stony Brook was picked right behind UMBC who recorded 35 points and five first-place votes. UAlbany was picked behind the Seawolves in third-place with 27 points and Binghamton came in fourth with 20 points. UMass Lowell (18 points), Maine (12 points), and Hartford (six points) rounded out the poll in fifth, sixth, and seventh-place, respectively.
 
The Seawolves return All-Conference First Team selection pitcher Dawn Bodrug as well as All-Rookie Team selections Kyra McFarland and Julianna Sanzone to their 2022 roster. Stony Brook went 27-16, 10-6 America East in 2021 and earned a berth in the conference championship final.
 
This season's schedule is highlighted by four non-conference tournaments, matchups against three 2021 NCAA Tournament teams, and 20 home contests. Stony Brook begins the 2022 season down south as it is set to compete in the FIU Tournament from February 25-27. The Seawolves' season opener comes against Drexel on Friday, February 25, at 2 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. meeting with FIU. The Seawolves will also face South Dakota and Brown in the season opening tournament.
 
Stony Brook's home opener is slated for Thursday, March 31, when it hosts Sacred Heart for a doubleheader. First pitch for game one is set for 2 p.m. The Seawolves open conference play on Saturday, April 2, when they host Maine.
 
Preseason Poll
1. UMBC – 35 (5)
2. Stony Brook – 29 (2)                                   
3. UAlbany – 27
4. Binghamton – 20
5. UMass Lowell – 18
6. Maine – 12
7. Hartford – 6
 
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