Feb. 3, 2011

EDISON, N.J. - The Marist softball team was chosen to finish seventh in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Preseason Coaches' Poll on Thursday. The Red Foxes were awarded 32 points in the poll as voted by the league's nine coaches. The defending MAAC Champions, Iona, were chosen as the preseason favorite to win the conference.

Marist was chosen ahead of Rider and Saint Peter's who were picked to finish eighth and ninth respectively.

The Gaels were awarded 73 points to take the top spot in the poll. Canisius was chosen second (71 points), Niagara was selected third (63 points) and Manhattan rounded out the top four with 50 points.

Teresa Healy of Niagara was named the MAAC Preseason Player of the Year.

A youthful team with no seniors on the 2011 roster, Marist begins the upcoming campaign at the College of Charleston Cougar Classic from Feb. 25-27. The Red Foxes will play five games in three days including matchups with Iowa State, Drexel, Liberty, the host Cougars and Notre Dame.

2011 MAAC Softball Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Iona - 73 points
2. Canisius - 71 points
3. Niagara - 63 points
4. Manhattan - 50 points
5. Fairfield - 41 points
6. Siena - 33 points
7. Marist - 32 points
8. Rider - 29 points
9. Saint Peter's - 9 points