FAIRFIELD, Conn. – After winning its second straight Northeast Conference (NEC) Championship last season, the Sacred Heart University women's golf team was the prohibitive favorite in the 2024 NEC Women's Golf Preseason Coaches Poll, released Thursday afternoon. 

The Pioneers, who will be pursuing the first-ever three-peat in conference history, earned seven of 12 first-place votes. FDU finished in second place, while Howard took third. 

LIU and Delaware State tied for fourth place, while Merrimack took sixth and Saint Francis was seventh. Wager (8th), Stonehill (9th) and NC Central (10th) round out the teams in the top 10. NEC newcomer Le Moyne was 11th and UMES took the final spot in 12th. 

SHU returns a wealth of talent, led by 2023 NEC Golfer of the Year Chantal El Chaib. El Chaib captured the 2023 NEC individual title following a steady 54-hole performance, shooting one-under 215 (72-71-72). Kailee Welch, who took second at the NEC Championship, also returns after carding an even-par 216 (72-73-71) at LPGA International. 

Margot Rouquette returned in 2023-24 and has been one of the team's best during the fall season. The Montiron, France, native was tabbed the September NEC Golfer of the Month after recording a win and a second-place finish in her first two events. 

The Pios kicked off the spring this past week with a tie for second at the Texas State Invitational. SHU will continue its season on March 8 at the SHU Spring Break Invitational at the Eagle Harbor Golf Club in Fleming Island, Fla.

2024 NEC Women's Golf Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Sacred Heart (7)
 2. FDU
3. Howard (3)
4. (tie) LIU (1)
    Delaware State (1)
6. Merrimack
7. Saint Francis U
8. Wagner
9. Stonehill
10. NC Central
11. Le Moyne
12. UMES
*First-place votes in parentheses