Bulldogs picked fifth in preseason poll

SOMERSET, N.J. – The Bryant University softball team was selected by the Northeast Conference head coaches to finish fifth in the NEC as announced by the conference office.

Despite coming up short last season, Sacred Heart was the unanimous decision for the top spot followed by LIU Brooklyn and the defending conference champions Saint Francis U as two and three and Central Connecticut in the fourth spot. Fairleigh Dickinson, Mount St. Mary's, Wagner and Robert Morris rounded out the nine-team poll.  

Although Nick French enters his first season as the head coach for the Black and Gold, it isn't his first rodeo as he assisted last season's team under Shayne Lotito helping the Bulldogs finish with a 7-9 record in conference play, tying with Mount St. Mary's for sixth. Bryant returns its only All-NEC selection from last year with sophomore Gianna Ceccarelli (Claremont, Calif.) earning Second Team honors.

Bryant begins its season on Friday, February 8 as the Bulldogs travel to Miami, Fla. to meet with Memphis and UConn. The Bulldogs return to Smithfield Saturday, March 30 to begin NEC play with Saint Francis U.

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