CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The Lesley University baseball team was voted to finish fifth in the New England Collegiate Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll. Assistant Commissioner for Media Relations Rebecca Mullen made the announcement.

The Lynx have qualified for the NECC Tournament in each of the past two seasons and will rely on a strong group of returns in the 2016 season. Reigning NECC Rookie of the Year Tom Muratore (Mamaroneck, N.Y.) will lead the Lynx pitching staff while 2015 NECC All-Conference teamer Gustavo Polidor (Caracas, Venezuela) will power a balanced offensive attack.

Two-time defending champion Mitchell College was once again picked to repeat with 48 total points and six of the seven first place votes. Elms College was slotted behind the Mariners with 37 points and one first place vote while Newbury College was picked to finish third with 31 points. Becker College garnered 28 points, one slot ahead of the Lynx, while Daniel Webster College and Southern Vermont College received 15 points to round out the poll.

The Lynx will head south to the Sunshine State on Friday and open their season with a doubleheader against Mt. St. Joseph at 1:00p on Saturday.

2016 NECC Baseball Preseason Coaches' Poll

1. Mitchell – 48 (6)
2. Elms – 37 (1)
3. Newbury – 31
4. Becker – 28
5. Lesley – 22
T6. Daniel Webster – 15
T6. Southern Vermont -15