PCLL Executive Board Changes and Preseason Poll

[Ben Clark]

PCLL Restructures Executive Board and Releases Preseason Poll

Press Release
Boston, MA - The Pioneer Collegiate Lacrosse League (PCLL) conducted their fall meeting on Sunday, September 17th at Northeastern University, preparing for the upcoming 2007 season. Notable events were the admittance of the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Riverhawks to Division B, and the restructuring of the PCLL Executive Board.

Stepping down as Commissioner due to conflicts of interest with his increasing role on the MCLA Executive Board, Dan Morris has taken over the PCLL Treasurer position, with Northeastern Head Coach Tim Gray being elevated to Commissioner. University of New Haven Head Coach Allyson Skeens was voted to serve as Vice-Commissioner, with WPI Head Coach Ben Clark filling the role of PCLL Secretary. Rounding out the Executive Board is long-time Stonehill Head Coach Ryan Larkin, named to the At-Large Communications/Membership position.

The PCLL also voted on their Division A & B Preseason Polls. The Division A Preseason Poll closely mimicked the 2006 final standings, with league champion Northeastern and PCLL runner-up University of New Hampshire topping the list. Both teams are planning an aggressive spring schedule and should prove to be formidable opponents for any MCLA team. Boston College comes in at third. Overhauling their coaching staff over the summer and fall and renewing their focus, the Eagles look to regain their status as the PCLL's top team. UConn Huskies take fourth place, looking to repeat 2006's successful season, while Boston University comes in at the fifth spot, hoping their youthful squad's maturity takes them deep into playoffs.

The Division B Preseason Poll finds Salem State in first place after taking the 2006 Championship in their first season as a PCLL team. Rochester, stung in the semi-finals after finishing with the PCLL Division B's best record places second, with their eyes on heading to this year's finals. The team that knocked off Rochester in the 2006 semi-finals, the University of New Haven, places third, while the newest PCLL Division B program, UMass-Lowell, comes in at the final spot.

Below is the full result of the Preseason Poll:

Division A

1. Northeastern
2. UNH
3. Boston College
4. UCONN
5. Boston University
6. Coast Guard
7. Stonehill
8. URI
9. Bridgewater
10. WPI

Division B

1. Salem State
2. Rochester
3. New Haven
4. UMaine – Orono
5. Framingham
6. CCSU
7. UMass – Lowell

For more information on the PCLL, visit www.pioneerlacrosse.com or contact Ben Clark (bcclark@gmail.com)