BOSTON – The America East released the 2017-18 coaches' preseason poll on Wednesday afternoon. Vermont was a unanimous first-place selection, earning eight first place votes for a total of 64 points.
 
UAlbany took second with 57 points and the other first place vote, while UMBC (45 pts.), Stony Brook (38 pts.), and New Hampshire (37 pts.) round out the top five teams. Binghamton tied with UMass Lowell for sixth in the conference (29 pts.), while Hartford  (16 pts.) and Maine (7 points) round out the poll.

"We can win championships at the University of Maine," said head coach Bob Walsh. "I am 100-percent convinced of that. But everyone in our program knows we have a lot to prove, and that is our challenge. I believe in this team." 
 
Maine returns nine players and welcomes eight newcomers for the 2017-18 season. Andrew Fleming, an America East All-Rookie Team performer, returns for his sophomore season, while Aaron Calixte, and Ilker Er return to the team after missing the majority of last season due to injury. The roster boasts five transfers, and three incoming freshmen to give Maine a new look. 

The Black Bears open up the season with an exhibition game against Husson University on October 28 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cross Insurance Center. Maine will close out the preseason against St. Joseph's of Maine on November 5, at 2:00 p.m. on campus at Memorial Gym.

2017-18 America East Preseason Coaches Poll

School	Pts. (1st Place Votes)
1.) Vermont	64 (8)
2.) UAlbany	57 (1)
3.) UMBC	45
4.) Stony Brook	38
5.) New Hampshire	37
T6.) Binghamton	29
T6.) UMass Lowell	29
8.) Hartford	16
9.) Maine	7

-UMaine-