GORHAM, Maine – The University of Southern Maine Huskies' women's tennis team placed sixth in the Little East Conference preseason coaches' poll with 26 points. Rhode Island College placed first in the poll with 59 points and five first-place votes. Bridgewater State University and UMass Boston placed second and third with 57 points and 53 points and two first-place votes apiece. UMass Dartmouth placed fourth in 45 points.
The Huskies will have to replace several key players from last season after going 4-9 and 3-5 in conference play on their way to their first LEC Tournament appearance since 2018. Returners from last season's lineup include sophomores
Alexis Hayward (Acton, Maine/Sanford) and
Willa Wilson (Westford, Vt./Essex). Hayward, an Intercollegiate Tennis Association Scholar-Athlete last season, played in 11 matches for the Huskies. She split her time between the No. 5 and No. 6 singles slot and also played No. 3 doubles. Wilson played in four matches at No. 4 singles and No. 2 doubles.
Led by USM alum Eric Haase '94, the Huskies start the season on Wednesday, September 3 at Thomas College at 3:00 pm before hosting the University of New England on Saturday, September 5 at 1:00 pm.
| 2026 Little East Conference Women's Tennis Preseason Coaches' Poll |
| 1. |
Rhode Island College |
59 points |
5 FPV |
| 2. |
Bridgewater State |
57 points |
2 FPV |
| 3. |
UMass Boston |
53 points |
2 FPV |
| 4. |
UMass Dartmouth |
45 points |
|
| 5. |
Western Connecticut |
30 points |
|
| 6. |
Southern Maine |
26 points |
|
| 7. |
Plymouth State |
21 points |
|
| 8. |
Salem State |
20 points |
|
| 9. |
Vermont State Castleton |
13 points |
|
-rwd-
