PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Eastern Connecticut State University was named the favorite to claim the 2024 Little East Conference (LEC) title, according to the results of the annual Preseason Softball Coaches’ Poll. The Warriors totaled 61 points while receiving six first-place votes.
 
The Warriors went 29-12 overall last season, and claimed the LEC regular season title with a perfect 16-0 record in league play. Eastern advanced to the 2023 LEC tournament final, falling to UMass Dartmouth in a pair of one-run games in the championship round, and received an at-large berth in the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament. The Warriors will be led by the last two LEC Player of the Year recipients in third baseman Julia SanGiovanni and pitcher/designated player Alyssa Vilchez.
 
Southern Maine (20-21, 10-6 LEC), Rhode Island College (19-19, 6-6 LEC) and defending LEC Tournament Champion UMass Dartmouth (30-14, 12-4 LEC) were separated by just four points for second through fourth in the poll, with each garnering one first-place vote. The remainder of the projected LEC tournament field includes Vermont State Castleton (20-16, 9-7 LEC) and UMass Boston (20-21, 6-10 LEC). The complete poll results are as follows.
 
2024 LEC Preseason Softball Coaches’ Poll
 
Team - Points (FPV)
1. Eastern Connecticut - 61 (6)
2. Southern Maine - 49 (1)
3. Rhode Island College - 47 (1)
4. UMass Dartmouth - 45 (1)
5. Vermont State Castleton - 39
6. UMass Boston - 31
7. Western Connecticut - 23
8. Plymouth State - 18
9. Keene State - 11
 
NOTE: Head coaches are not permitted to vote for their own program.