Sept. 1, 2010

The UMass Lowell golf team was selected to place fourth in the Northeast-10 Conference Golf Preseason Coaches Poll, released Wednesday.

UMass Lowell compiled 88 points while American International College was tabbed No. 1 with eight first place votes and 103 points. Le Moyne, with three first place votes and 98 points, was the runner-up while Adelphi (one vote, 97 points) was picked No. 3.

Southern New Hampshire (85 points) was chosen No. 5 and was followed by No. 6 Bentley (69), No. 7 Saint Anselm (58), No. 8 Assumption (57) and No. 9 Pace (51). Franklin Pierce (36), Saint Rose (31) and Saint Michael's (19) completed the poll.

The 2010 NE-10 Championship, hosted by Le Moyne, is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 3 and Monday, Oct. 4 at the En-Joie Golf Club in Endicott, NY.

"I think we have improved in both quality and depth in each of our first six seasons, and this year looks to be no exception," said Head Coach Gary Mucica, entering his seventh year. "We're optimistic about the fact that we return five of our six NCAA regional tournament players. We have also strengthened the team for this season and beyond with the addition of eight new players."

Leading the returning corps is senior Patrick Bean (Fitchburg, Mass.), who led the spring with a 78.46, and Thomas Ayala (East Taunton, Mass.), who shot a 78.57. Also back is junior Brandon Robinson (Hampstead, N.H.), who averaged a 79.00, and senior captain Anthony Ullo (Leominster, Mass.), who averaged an 80.07.

The River Hawks open the season Friday, Sept. 10 and Saturday, Sept. 11 at the Rutgers University Invitational.