AMERICA EAST RELEASES MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SOCCER POLLS

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The America East has recently released both men’s and women’s soccer preseason polls. The University of New Hampshire women’s team placed fourth on the preseason list, while the men’s squad was slated sixth. 

The women, who finished third in the conference last season, garnered 43 points, which was just two behind third-place pick Hartford (45 points). Boston University, back-to-back defending conference champions, was predicted to once again capture the title. Boston U. received eight first-place votes and 64 points, while Stony Brook was selected second with 57 points, including one first-place vote. Binghamton was picked fifth with 33 points, while the University of Maine followed closely behind with 32 points. The University at Albany was slated seventh (21 points), while University of Vermont (16) and UMBC (13 points) round out the final two spots on the women’s side.

The Wildcat men’s squad, who finished sixth in the conference last season, totaled 20 poll points this year. Also on the men’s side, Boston U. was chosen to repeat as conference champions as the Terriers garnered 49 votes, including seven first-place selections. Last year’s runner-up, Binghamton, was slated second with 39 points, while Vermont finished closely behind with 34 points. Albany was chosen fourth with 30 points, including one first-place vote. Hartford was selected fifth (25 points), followed by the Wildcats. Stony Brook (15 points) and UMBC (12 points) round out the men’s poll.

The UNH women’s squad opens its season Aug. 30 when it hits the road to take on Rhode Island at 1 p.m. The Wildcats open up at home Sept. 11 when they host Northeastern at 7 p.m.

The men’s team will also begin on the road as it plays at Iona on Sept. 1 at 4 p.m. The Wildcat men will then host the 21st annual UNH Nike Fall Classic on Sept. 4-6. The men will take on Bucknell on Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. then play host to Central Connecticut State on Sept. 6 at 2:30 p.m.