The America East Conference unveiled its preseason All-Conference team, recognizing three standout players from the UMass Lowell Black Bears. Freshman Nicole Kowalewski, senior Saylor Kuefler, and classmate Eloise Penty each earned spots on the prestigious list, underscoring the program’s growing depth.
Poll Predictions Set the Stage
Coaches across the league voted Vermont and UAlbany to share first place, each receiving 21 votes. UMass Lowell followed closely, collecting two first-place votes and landing third overall, while Maine secured the third slot with 13 votes. New Hampshire and Bryant rounded out the top six with 11 and 8 votes respectively.
The Black Bears open their season on August 28 at noon ET against Liberty, a matchup that will test the early expectations set by the preseason poll.
Kowalewski’s rookie campaign was nothing short of impressive. She started all 19 games at back, contributing 10 points through four goals and two assists, a performance that helped cement her All-Conference recognition.
Kuefler and Penty proved to be the team’s offensive engine, each finishing the preseason tied for the scoring lead with 22 points. Kuefler’s 6 goals and 10 assists complemented Penty’s eight goals, six of which came on penalty strokes, along with six assists.