Husson Selected to Top the NAC in Field Hockey

Article courtesy of NAC communications.

Husson University has been selected to win its third-straight NAC Championship in a poll of the league's coaches. The Eagles, one of four teams to receive at least one first-place vote, garnered five and earned a total of 94 points to top the poll. 2010 NAC Rookie of the Year, Sabrina Vaillancourt, returns for her sophomore season after tallying six goals as a freshman. The Eagles also return senior midfielder Lorri Hiltz, a member of the 2010 All-Conference Second Team.

Castleton State College was picked to finish second with two first place votes and 81 total points. The Spartans return seven starters including All-Conference Second Team forward Rachel Preusser.

St. Joseph's College also received a pair of first place votes and finished third with 77 points. 2010 NAC Coach of the Year, Rupert Lewis, returns a pair of All-Conference First Team selections in goalie Meaghan Johnson and forward Sarah Bartell, but will need to replace some key losses including a trio of first-team honorees and the conference's player of the year.

New to the NAC in 2011 and finishing in fourth place in this year's poll is New England College. The Pilgrims picked up one first place vote and are led by senior captain Amanda Naimie who was named All-TCCC a season ago.

2011 Field Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll