FREELAND, Mich. - The Saint Mary's lacrosse team was picked by league coaches to finish third in the upcoming 2019 season according to the annual Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Preseason Poll.

 

Defending champion Calvin was tabbed as the preseason favorite after garnering 63 points and seven first-place votes. Hope was second in the poll with 52 points and a first-place vote while Saint Mary's collected 49 points and a first-place vote in the poll.

 

The Belles have been making a steady ascent in the MIAA since adding lacrosse in the spring of 2014. The team established a new program record for wins (12) in 2018 and secured the program's first postseason victory to earn a spot in the MIAA Tournament Championship. Led by 2018 All-MIAA selections Erin Doyle, Kate Kelly, Rachael Leonard, and Kendra Osinski, the team will vie for their first conference title.

 

"We are proud of our past success that has earned us the respect of the fellow MIAA coaches to select us third in the preseason poll," said head coach Amy Long. "We are even more excited for the season ahead. With outstanding leadership from our returning players, including all four of our All-MIAA honorees from last season, and an energized incoming class, our expectations are high. Our goal is to compete for the MIAA Championship again this season and our focus is on supporting and pushing each other to get better every day."

The Belles open conference play on Saturday, March 30 when they travel to Alma for a 1:00 p.m. contest.