WESTON, Mass. – The Regis College men's lacrosse team has been selected to finish first in the New England Collegiate Conference's (NECC) preseason poll, which is determined by a vote amongst the league's coaches. 2013 marks the inaugural season for NECC men's lacrosse.

The Pride, who currently sit at 1-1 on the young season, received 22 points and two first place votes to top the poll. Regis returns six starters from last year's squads, including Peter Leighton (Wilmington, Mass.), Billy Stewart (West Roxbury, Mass.) and Chris Campbell (South Hadley, Mass.), who accounted for 54% of the Pride's goals last season. Leighton led the way with 21 goals and 30 total points.

Becker took the second slot after picking up 20 points and two place votes. The Hawks return eight starters from last season and were able to come away with a 12-7 victory over the Pride last Saturday in the first game of the season for both teams.

With 18 points and one first place vote, Mitchell came in at the third spot, followed by Daniel Webster and Wheelock at fourth and fifth, respectively.

With no NECC Tournament in place, the team with the best record at the end of the season will be crowned the NECC Champion.

The Pride will be back in action next week as they travel to Texas for a pair of non-conference games against Southwestern (Tex.) on March 7 at 8:00 p.m. and Dallas on March 9 at 1:00 p.m.

To read the entire NECC release, please click here.

2013 Men's Lacrosse NECC Coaches Poll
(First Place Votes in parentheses)