BOSTON - The University at Albany field hockey program has been picked to finish first in the 2023 America East Preseason Coaches' Poll, the conference announced Thursday.
The defending America East Tournament Champions have been unanimously voted as the team to beat in the league. The Great Danes lead the conference with eight first-place votes and a total of 64 points.
"It's very flattering to be picked number one in the preseason poll," said head coach
Phil Sykes. "Unfortunately, it does not guarantee anything during the season. There is tremendous depth in the conference this year and we know every game will be a battle."
Three-time regular season champion, Maine, follows with 51 points. Just one point behind is the 2022 AE Tournament Runner-Up, Stanford.
The next four spots come from teams that are within seven points of each other. After fourth-place New Hampshire (38) is UMass Lowell (33) with the final first-place vote. Vermont (32) and California (31) round out the top seven.
UC Davis (15) and Bryant (10) close out the preseason poll with their respective point totals.
Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own team.
The Great Danes are set to kick off the season with three-straight weekends at home. After opening against UMass (Aug. 25) and Stonehill (Aug. 27), UAlbany will welcome Iowa (Sept. 3) and Hofstra (Sept. 8).
2023 America East Preseason Coaches' Poll
- UAlbany 64 (8)
- Maine 51
- Stanford 50
- New Hampshire 38
- UMass Lowell 33 (1)
- Vermont 32
- California 31
- UC Davis 15
- Bryant 10
For more information on the University at Albany field hockey team, follow the squad's official social media accounts shown below.
Twitter - @ualbanyfh
Instagram & Threads - @ualbanyfh
Facebook – facebook.com/UAlbanyFH
