Posted: Oct 30, 2013

Seahawks picked fifth in preseason poll

The 2013-14 Seahawks are poised to make their eighth trip to the ECAC Women's East playoffs under head coach Michael Cox.

NEWPORT, R.I. – The Salve Regina women's ice hockey team was ranked fifth in the 2013-14 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Women's East preseason poll after finishing last year with an 11-7 mark in the conference.

The Seahawks earned 94 out of a possible 144 points to finish ahead of seven other schools, including Castleton State, UMass. – Boston, Southern Maine, New England College, Plymouth State, St. Michael's and Nichols. The Seahawks ranked third among DIII schools, trailing Manhattanville by 18 points. Defending champion, Norwich is picked to finish first in the league with 143 points.

Head coach Michael Cox is entering his eighth year at the helm of the Seahawks as the all-time winningest coach for Salve Regina. "Our league is as balanced and strong as it's ever been. There are going to be no easy nights and we're going to have to earn every point we get with hard work, grit and determination," remarked Cox on this upcoming season. "It should be another great season to be a part of the ECAC East."

Returning for the Seahawks are three of the top scorers from a year ago, all breaking the 20-point mark for the season. Juniors Sarah Markey (Ashland, Mass.) (26 points • 10g, 16a,), Taylor Shepherd (Quincy, Mass.) (24 points • 12g, 12a) and Michaela Chiuccariello (Winchester, Mass.) (23 points • 13g, 10a) look to lead the Seahawk offense once again.

Guiding the Seahawks this year will be a trio of new captains in Shepherd, and seniors Monika Borkowski (Ann Arbor, Mich.) and Shannon Coleman (Chicago, Ill.). Coleman is the lone returner on a defense that allowed just a 2.66 goals against average last year and posted four shutouts.

The Seahawks open their 2013-14 campaign at home against Neumann on Nov. 2. The puck drops at 3 p.m. at St. George's Ice Arena.

For the complete 2013-14 preseason poll, click here.