CCSU Tabbed Sixth in Preseason Women's Lacrosse Poll
Blue Devils won three of their final four games a year ago
The Central Connecticut women's lacrosse team was slotted to finish sixth in the Northeast Conference Preseason women's lacrosse coaches poll released on Wednesday. The Blue Devils, coming off a 6-10 season in 2015, will begin the 2016 season on Saturday, Feb. 20 on the road at Army at 11 a.m.
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Two-time defending champion Bryant was picked to finish first, follow by Wagner, Mount St. Mary's, Robert Morris, Sacred Heart, CCSU, LIU Brooklyn and St. Francis U.
The Blue Devils were 6-10 overall and finished 3-4 in league action a year ago. Second-year head coach Tanya Kotowicz and the Blue Devils won three of their final four games in 2015, including wins over NEC Tournament participants Mount St. Mary's (9-8) and Wagner (9-7).
Central's four losses in conference play came by a combined seven goals, including three one-goal losses. The Blue Devils outscored their league opponents 64 to 55 in league action on the year. At 3-4 they tied for fourth placed in the league, but lost out on a tournament spot in the league tie-breaker.
Senior Madison Hughes, a two-time All-NEC selection, was the leading scorer for the Blue Devils a year ago and she returns for her final season in New Britain in 2016. She had 24 goals and six assists for a total of 30 points. Central returns its five leading scorers from 2015 including senior Falynn McCartney and junior Alexandra Hooker who each had 28 points a year ago. McCartney had 20 goals and eight assists while Hooker added 23 goals and five assists on the season. Junior Marissa Soto (20 points) and sophomore Kylie Sullivan (17 points) also return.
Central opens the season on Saturday, Feb. 20 on the road at Army. They will play their first four games away from home before hosting Iona on Arute Field on Saturday, Mar. 12, at 1 p.m.