Jan. 31, 2013

click here for coaches' preseason All-MAAC team

Manhattan projects to No. 1 in MAAC Preseason Poll

Manhattan, under head coach Jim Duffy (pictured), is expected to repeat as champion in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Preseason Poll, in voting by the league’s head coaches as released by the conference office.

The Jaspers picked up 74 points to edge Canisius with 72 points. Rider came in third with 59 points, narrowly ahead of Marist with 57 points. Fairfield was fifth, followed by Siena, Niagara, Saint Peter’s and Iona.

Manhattan won both the regular season and tournament titles in 2012. The Jaspers dropped the tourney opener before winning four straight one-run games, including the final two in extra innings over Canisius. Manhattan returns eight of nine starters and three-time All-MAAC pitcher John Soldinger.

The Golden Griffins also return eight of nine starters as well as their top four starting pitchers and the MAAC Relief Pitcher of the Year.

The 2013 campaign begins on Friday, Feb. 15, with conference play kicking off the weekend of March 23-24. The MAAC Championship will be held at Waterfront Park in Trenton, N.J. The four-team double elimination tournament will be held from May 23-26.

2013 MAAC Preseason Poll

Team, Points (2012 MAAC, Overall Records)

1. Manhattan 74 (18-6, 33-27)

2. Canisius 72 (16-8, 33-27)

3. Rider 59 (13-11, 22-34)

4. Marist 57 (11-12, 25-25)

5. Fairfield 48 (14-10, 27-28)

6. Siena 31 (8-16, 18-37)

7. Niagara 29 (7-16, 19-29)

8. Saint Peter’s 18 (10-14, 20-33)

9. Iona 17 (10-14, 21-33)

(photos courtesy of Manhattan Media Relations Office)