WESTFIELD, Mass.  – Westfield State University women's lacrosse is picked to defend their title in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference's 2021 preseason coaches' poll.

The Owls were picked first in the poll with 35 points and five of the seven first place votes.   Framingham State was second with 31 points and the other two first-place votes, followed by Bridgewater, Worcester, Mass Maritime, Fitchburg State and Salem State.

The Owls won the 2019 MASCAC title – their third consecutive – with a thrilling 13-12 win over Framingham in the championship game.   The 2020 season was cut short before conference play began with Westfield off to a fast 4-1 start and a win over #20 Illinois Wesleyan.

The Owls' 2021 roster is headlined by four seniors – Sam Donohoe, Summer Zackaricz, Sarah Stapleton and Haley Mate'. Nine newcomers join an eight-player sophomore class that saw limited action before the COVID-19 pandemic cut the season short in 2020.

Westfield opens its season tomorrow (Thursday, March 18) with a home game against local non-conference rival Western New England at 4:00 p.m.

As a reminder to fans, per the conference guidelines, no spectators are permitted at the game.  Please plan to watch online at WestfieldStateOwls.com or on MASCAC.TV on Roku or Apple TV.