NEWLA Preseason Poll Announced

The Elms College women's lacrosse team was chosen to finish in a tie for seventh in the 2012 New England Women's Lacrosse Association (NEWLA) Preseason Poll as announced by the organization on Tuesday.

The Blazers enter the 2012 season under first-year head coach Ruth Ness. Elms finished the 2011 season 3-13 overall, 0-7 in league play.

Four-time defending champion Bridgewater State University was selected as the preseason favorite in a vote conducted by the conference's head coaches. The Bears received six first place votes for a total of 75 points. Bridgewater State, one of only two institutions to have won a NEWLA championship since 1998, returns just two starters and will look to replace graduated NEWLA Defender of the Year Bethany Bush and NEWLA Goalkeeper of the Year Katie Weber.

Fitchburg State placed second in the poll with two first place votes and 70 points. The Falcons return six starters.

The NEWLA welcomes new members Salem State University and Massachusetts Maritime Academy in what will be the last season of NEWLA competition. Following the 2012 season, the nine members will begin play within their primary conferences. Seven will play as part of the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) and two will compete within the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC).

2012 NEWLA Coaches Poll
1. Bridgewater State - 75 (6)
2. Fitchburg State- 70 (2)
3. Westfield State - 68 (1)
4. Framingham State - 54
5. Worcester State - 38
6. Becker - 35
T7. Elms - 26
T7. Salem State- 26
9. Mass. Maritime - 13