Lacrosse Selected Fifth in NEC Preseason Poll

The Central Connecticut women's lacrosse team was ranked fifth in the annual Northeast Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll.  The poll was released by the conference on Tuesday afternoon.

The Blue Devils are coming off a successful 2013 campaign, which saw the program finished with a school record nine victories and reach the Northeast Conference Tournament for the first time.

Bryant was picked as the preseason favorite a year after falling in the NEC Championship game.  The Bulldogs received six first places votes with second ranked Mount St. Mary's receiving the remaining two first place votes.  Sacred Heart and Robert Morris were picked third and fourth, respectively.  Following CCSU were Saint Francis U, Wagner and LIU Brooklyn.

Head coach Laura Campbell's 2014 squad will feature eight returning starters, including three returners who garnered All-NEC honors in 2013.  Campbell assumed control of the CCSU lacrosse program in August after head coaching stints at Marist, American and Post University.

The 2014 Blue Devils return First Team All-NEC selection Amanda Toke, Second Team All-NEC goalkeeper Morgan Tullar and NEC All-Rookie Team selection Elyse Malecki.

Seniors Cierra Ward, Meaghan McCurry, Claire Healy and Ashley Olhausen also provide a strong veteran presence for the Blue Devils.

Last season, CCSU finished with a 9-9 overall record and a 7-2 mark in NEC regular season action.  The Blue Devils earned the #2 seed in the NEC Tournament.  Both the over and conference win totals were program records.

The Blue Devils will open the 2014 season on Feb. 22 against La Salle at Arute Field.