MANSFIELD, Mass. – The Southern New Hampshire University men's lacrosse team was chosen to finish ninth in the Northeast-10 Conference standings this season, as the league announced the results of its annual Preseason Coaches' Poll Thursday. The Penmen totaled 39 points.

NORTHEAST-10 RELEASE

Le Moyne College, which captured its third NE10 title in four seasons in 2019, topped the poll with 110 points and ten first-place votes. The Dolphins edged Adelphi University after the Panthers tallied 101 points and the remaining first-place marker. Pace University (92), Saint Anselm College (82), and Bentley University (73) rounded out the top-five.

Assumption University checked in at No. 6 with 64 points, and the Greyhounds were followed by the College of Saint Rose (57) and Franklin Pierce University (40). SNHU is next in ninth place, followed by Saint Michael's College (36) and American International College (21).

Southern New Hampshire finished its abbreviated 2020 campaign with a 1-2 mark. The Penmen are again led by head coach Paul Calkins in his 33rd season.  2019 All-Rookie Northeast-10 selection Tristan Pietz (Dudley, Mass.) should be one of the team's top scorers.  In his first 17 games with the program, Pietz has tallied 18 goals and added 17 assists.  SNHU also welcomes back junior Chris Valentine (Derry, N.H.) who was leading the team with nine goals when last season was cut short.  He has notched 26 goals and 11 assists in his 17 career games, and like Pietz, was also a member of the 2019 All-Rookie team.  Other Northeast-10 honorees are among seven seniors on the active roster.  Senior Cole Jacobsen (Dartmouth, Mass.) has 34 career goals and 23 assists and senior Nolan Isabella (Ballston Spa, N.Y.) is one of the top defenders with 79 career ground balls in his 31 games.

Southern New Hampshire lifts the lid on its 2021 campaign on Saturday, March 20 with a contest at Franklin Pierce University at 11:00 a.m.  The home opener is against Saint Anselm on Wednesday, March 24.

For the latest on Southern New Hampshire University athletics, follow the Penmen via social media on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram. You can also sign up to receive text message alerts and e-mail newsletters about your favorite Penmen teams.

2021 NE10 Men's Lacrosse Coaches' Poll

1. Le Moyne – 110 (10)

2. Adelphi – 101 (1)

3. Pace - 92

4. Saint Anselm - 82

5. Bentley - 73

6. Assumption - 64

7. Saint Rose - 57

8. Franklin Pierce - 40

9. Southern New Hampshire - 39

10. Saint Michael's - 36

11. American International - 21