PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The University of Massachusetts Boston softball team claimed the top spot in the annual Little East Conference (LEC) Preseason Coaches’ Poll, totaling 61 points and securing five first-place votes. Eastern Connecticut State University is a close second, having totaled 58 points and receiving the remaining four first-place votes.
 
The Beacons posted an overall record of 28-13 last season on their way to winning the LEC regular season title with a league record of 11-5. UMass Boston returns four All-LEC selections from a year ago in Jackie Cherry, Hayley Krockta, Bri Melchionda and Lauren Miner. Melchionda is the reigning LEC Pitcher of the Year and was named First Team All-Region in 2024.
 
The Warriors went 24-18-1 a year ago and tied for second in the final 2024 LEC standings at 10-6. Eastern Connecticut was seeded third on the LEC tournament, which it won by going a perfect 4-0 to win its fourth LEC tournament title in five seasons, and eighth overall. All eight LEC tournament wins have come since 2010. The Warriors return a pair of All-LEC performers in Maddy Bowen and Kaley Laird.
 
The reminder of the projected six-team LEC Championship tournament field includes Rhode Island College (50 points), University of Southern Maine (40 points), UMass Dartmouth (38 points) and Vermont State University Castleton (27 points)
 
Team - Points (First Place Votes)
1. UMass Boston - 61 (5)
2. Eastern Connecticut - 58 (4)
3. Rhode Island College - 50      
4. Southern Maine - 40             
5. UMass Dartmouth - 38          
6. VTSU Castleton - 27             
7. Western Connecticut - 22       
8. Plymouth State - 19              
9. Keene State - 9