WESTFIELD, Mass. - Westfield State University's women's track and field team was picked to finish second in the conference, while the men were tabbed third in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference's outdoor track and field preseason coaches' poll.

The Owl women claimed the 2018 indoor title just a few weeks ago, and won the 2017 outdoor title as well. The Owls return much the nucleus of that team. In 2017, The Owls finished with MASCAC individual titles in seven events and two of the three relays. Jessie Cardin was a dual winner in the 1,500 and 5,000. Lexi Popp set a new MASCAC record in the 400 meter hurdles while Kara Penney won the 3,000 meter steeplechase and Kerry O'Neil in the 10,000 meter run. On the field side, Sabrina Pray finished first in the long jump while Jaclyn Farrell was the league champ in the triple jump. The Owls also claimed the 4x100 relay with Popp, Kerri Long and Pray on the unit. Crossing the line first in the 4x800 relay with a MASCAC record, with returnees Autumn Brown and Cardin.

Westfield had three female athletes qualify for the NCAA Indoor Championships - Cardin, Pray, and pole vaulter Ashley Craig.

Bridgewater was picked to win the lead with 17 points in the poll. Westfield and Worcester tied for second with 12 points each.

On the men's side Bridgewater received 16 points in the poll, Worcester was second with 12, and the Owls third with 11 points.

The Westfield men placed second at the 2018 indoor championships and finished third at the conference's outdoor meet in 2017. Owls' senior Dereck Stone was the league's long jump champion in 2017.

Westfield was set to open the 2018 season on Saturday at Wesleyan, however, due to weather conditions that meet will be held indoors. The Owls will not compete this weekend and will open the season at the Spring Snowflake Classic at Tufts University in Medford, Mass. on March 31.

LEAGUE RELEASE AND POLL