Women's Basketball Unanimously Selected No. 1 in NECC Preseason Poll

ATTLEBORO, Mass. - The Regis (Mass.) women's basketball team has been unanimously tabbed to win the NECC Women’s Basketball title. The Pride took home all the first place votes for a total of 100 points in the coaches’ preseason poll.

Regis will look to their strong returning presence to finish at the top of the NECC this season. The Pride return two 2016 All-NECC first team members, including the 2016 Player of the Year Amanda Hawkesworth (Abington, Mass.). They are led by the 2016 NECC Coach of the Year, Angela Santa Fe, who is also bringing in some standout newcomers to compliment her returning talent.

Finishing second in the polls with a total of 83 points is Elms College. The Blazers return three of their starters and hope to  contend for the NECC title. Emily Burr will lead the Blazers after being named to the 2016 All-NECC Second Team.

Wheelock finished just behind with 77 points, good for third in the poll. Four of the Wildcat starters are back from last season and will hope to have a strong showing in 2016-17. Michelle Woods earned 2016 All-NECC First Team honors and will be looked to throughout the season. Wheelock will look their new head coach for guidance throughout the season.

Fourth in the standings was Mitchell College with 72 points. The Mariners have two returning starters and eight returners from last seasons team. They will look to their rookies to step up this season under fourth year head coach MaryLynn Skarzenski.

Fifth in the polls was Daniel Webster College with 49 points, while Newbury College finished just behind in sixth with 48 points.

Closing out the polls is Southern Vermont College (42 points), Becker College (37 points), Bay Path University (23 points), and Lesley University (19 points).