PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Bridgewater State University men’s tennis team claimed the top spot in the annual Little East Conference (LEC) Preseason Coaches’ Poll, totaling 34 points and securing five first-place votes. Rhode Island College was a close second in the preseason ranking, having totaled 32 points and receiving the remaining two first-place votes.
 
The Bears posted an overall record of 9-5 last season, including an undefeated record in LEC play on their way to winning the LEC regular season and tournament championships. They return five of their top-six from a year ago in 2024 LEC Championship Most Outstanding Player Adam Beatrice, Tom Ayson, Matthew Krampf, Filippo Mucci and Ryan Herbert.
 
The Anchormen went 9-3 overall last year and finished second to BSI in the regular season and conference tournament in 2024. They return three of their top-four in the lineup in Noah Morin, Eli Gouin and Zach Siemmao.
 
The remainder of the projected six-team LEC tournament field includes Western Connecticut (25 points), UMass Boston (21 points), Salem State (17 points) and Southern Maine (10 points).
 
Team - Points (First Place Votes)
1. Bridgewater State - 34 (5)
2. Rhode Island College - 32 (2)
3. Western Connecticut - 25   
4. UMass Boston - 21            
5. Salem State - 17               
6. Southern Maine - 10          
7. VTSU Castleton - 8