Lancers Outdoor Track and Field Claim Third and Fourth in MASCAC Preseason Coaches Poll

Westfield, MA- Reigning outdoor champions Bridgewater State men and Westfield State women have been selected by the coaches from around the conference to repeat as the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference Outdoor Track and Field titles during the 2026 campaign.

On the men's side, Bridgewater State claimed four first place votes in this year's poll. During the 2025 MASCAC Championship, the Bears claimed 11 individual titles and two relays on the day. Matt Mooney grabbed the 200 meter dash title with a time of 22.74 seconds while Kyle Ackroyd braved the heat to win the 10,000m run with a time of 33:09.

Westfield State lands in the second place spot. For the Owls, they had four individual titles and the final relay crown. Nathan Sylven was a two-time winner, first in the 3,000 steeplechase in 9:48.75 and the 5,000 in 15:51.

Coming in third is Fitchburg State. Liam Bourassa is back after being a dual winner for the Falcons in 2026, coming in first in the hammer throw (51.54m) and discus (43.72m).

Sitting in fourth is Worcester State. Returning for the Lancers is Seth Boudreau who came in second in the 100m dash with a time of 11.16 at the 2025 championship.

Rounding out the men's poll in fifth is Massachusetts Maritime. During the 2025 Outdoor Championship, Joseph Tully leaped to a third place finish in the high jump with a 1.90m clearing.

On the women's side with five first place votes, Westfield State earned the top spot in the poll. At last year's outdoor championship, the Owls came in first with five first place showings and a relay win. Eliza Lee was a twotime champ on the day, crossing the line first in the 400m hurdles (1:06.09) and triple jump (11.27m).

Bridgewater State earns the final first place vote. The Bears claimed eight individual titles and all three relays at the 2025 Championship. Naomi Cass was a dual winner in the 5,000-meter race in 18:12.32 and also the 1,500 in 4:51.94.

Worcester State comes in next in the poll in third. The Lancers had a solid showing at the 2024 championship on the field side with two individual titles. Jadah Stokes had the top throw in the shot put with 12.23m.

Framingham State lands in fourth in this year's poll. The Rams landed two individual event winners. Kate Buban beat the field to cross the line first in the 10,000m run in a time of 41:03.

Closing out the women's poll in fifth and sixth are Fitchburg State and Massachusetts Maritime. At the 2025 MASCAC Championship, Skye Goba crossed the line second with a time of 41:41.84 in the 10,000m while running a leg on the 4x400m relay team. For the Buccaneers, Lorelei Lee came in fifth in the 3,000m steeplechase with a time of 13:29.84.

The outdoor season has begun and culminates on April 25 with the 2026 MASCAC Outdoor Track and Field Championship hosted by Fitchburg State.

026 MASCAC Men's Outdoor Track & Field Preseason Coaches Poll (First Place Votes In Parentheses)

1. Bridgewater State (4) 16 points 

2. Westfield State (1) 12 points

3. Fitchburg State 11 points 

4. Worcester State 7 points

5. Massachusetts Maritime 4 points

        2026 MASCAC Women's Outdoor Track & Field Preseason Coaches Poll (First Place Votes In Parentheses)

1. Westfield State (5)   25 points

2.  Bridgewater State (1)   20 points

3.  Worcester State  15 points

4. Framingham State  13 points

5.  Fitchburg State  12 points

6. Massachusetts Maritime 5 point