Jan. 23, 2013

click here for coaches' preseason All-CAA team

UNC Wilmington sits atop CAA Preseason Poll

With five position starters and several key arms returning, UNC Wilmington is picked to repeat as the champion in the Colonial Athletic Association, in voting by the league’s head coaches as released by the conference office.

The Seahawks, under head coach Mark Scalf (left), received five first-place votes and 75 points to finish ahead of Hofstra, with three first-place votes and 69 points. James Madison placed third with 62 points, while Delaware came in fourth with a pair of first-place votes and 57 points. George Mason was fifth, followed by Old Dominion, William and Mary, Towson, Northeastern and Georgia State.

In 2012, UNCW went 39-23 overall and 24-6 in conference play. The Seahawks won the regular-season and tournament crowns.

The Pride posted 34 victories a season ago to set a program record. Hofstra was 20-10 in league play to place second, its highest CAA finish ever.

The 2013 campaign begins on Friday, Feb. 15, with conference play kicking off the weekend of March 8-10. Hofstra at James Madison will be the key series that opening weekend of league play. The CAA Championship will be held at Veterans Memorial Park in Harrisonburg, Va. The six-team double elimination tournament will be held from May 22-25.

2013 CAA Preseason Poll

Team, Points (First Place) (2012 CAA, Overall Records)

1. UNCW 75 (5) (24-6, 39-23)

2. Hofstra 69 (3) (20-10, 34-22)

3. James Madison 62 (10-20, 16-35-2)

4. Delaware 57 (2) (17-13, 31-27)

5. George Mason 49 (16-14, 33-24)

6. Old Dominion 32 (9-21, 19-34)

7. William and Mary 30 (12-18, 31-25)

8. Towson 28 (15-15, 27-31)

9. Northeastern 27 (13-17, 23-28)

10. Georgia State 21 (14-16, 24-31)

(photos courtesy of UNCW Media Relations Office)