PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Western Connecticut State University was named the favorite to claim the 2024 Little East Conference (LEC) men’s lacrosse title, according to the results of the annual Preseason Coaches’ Poll. The Wolves totaled 62 points and six first-place votes.
 
WestConn posted an overall record of 16-5 last season on its way to capturing the 2023 LEC regular season and tournament championships, which included going 1-1 in the NCAA tournament where the Wolves defeated New England College before falling to national semifinalist Rochester Institute of Technology.
 
UMass Boston edged out Keene State College by a single point for second-place in the preseason poll. The Beacons went 12-7 a year ago on their way to their third consecutive LEC tournament final, while the Owls went 9-7 in 2023. Each received one first-place vote, along with Plymouth State (14-4). All three teams ties for second in the final LEC standings last year at 6-2 in league play.
 
The rest of the projected LEC tournament field includes Massachusetts Maritime Academy (8-7, 5-3 LEC) and Eastern Connecticut State University (6-11, 3-5 LEC). The complete poll results are as follows.
 
2024 LEC Preseason Men’s Lacrosse Coaches’ Poll
 
Team - Points (FPV)
1. Western Connecticut - 62 (6)
2. UMass Boston - 53 (1)
3. Keene State - 52 (1)
4. Plymouth State - 45 (1)
5. Massachusetts Maritime - 36
6. Eastern Connecticut - 31
7. Southern Maine - 19
8. Vermont State Castleton - 18
9. Salem State - 8
 
NOTE: Head coaches are not permitted to vote for their own program.