Somerset, NJ- The Wagner College softball team was chosen to finish sixth in the 2010 Northeast Conference preseason rankings this year, according to a poll of the league's head coaches. 

Long Island University was chosen as the 2010 NEC softball preseason favorite with nine first-place votes. The Pioneers collected the remaining two first place nods and tied for second in the poll with Robert Morris. Monmouth followed in fourth with Quinnipiac right behind in the fifth slot. Mount St. Mary's landed in the seventh spot. Saint Francis (PA) was chosen eighth, followed by NEC newcomer Bryant in ninth. Rounding out the list was Fairleigh Dickinson in 10th and Central Connecticut State in 11th. 

Last season, the Seahawks finished with a mark of 22-29 overall and 7-11 in conference action. For the 2010 season, 15th-year Head Coach Glen Payne will be returning 11 position players and three pitchers. Alongside Payne's veterans, eight newcomers look to add to the Seahawk arsenal. 

Wagner opens up its 2010 season on February 19 when the Seahawks compete in the College of Charleston Games in Charleston South Carolina. Throughout the three-day tournament, Wagner will compete against James Madison, College of Charleston, and Akron. 

1.     Long Island (9)     
    2.     Sacred Heart (2)
            Robert Morris
    4.     Monmouth

    5.     Quinnipiac

    6.     Wagner

    7.     Mount St. Mary's

    8.     Saint Francis (PA)

    9.     Bryant

    10.   Fairleigh Dickinson

    11.   Central Connecticut State