BOSTON, Mass. – The University of Maine baseball team was selected second in the 2004 America East Preseason Coaches’ Poll announced on Friday.

The Black Bears received four first-place votes and 57 points overall. The Northeastern Huskies, who won the America East Tournament a year ago, were selected as the preseason favorites, just two points above the Black Bears. Northeastern received four first-place votes and 59 points overall.

Stony Brook (46) was third followed by Vermont (39) in fourth. Albany and Maryland Baltimore County tied for fifth place with 27 points, and Binghamton (18) and Hartford (15) rounded out the poll.

Maine (38-18, 17-7 in America East last year) returns two all-conference selections and two all-rookie members from last season, highlighted by 2003 America East Rookie of the Year Greg Norton, a sophomore pitcher from South Portland. In his freshman campaign, the 6-3 right-hander compiled a 7-1 record with a 2.97 ERA.

In addition, the Black Bears feature 2002 America East Pitcher of the Year Mike MacDonald of Camden. Senior outfielder Simon Williams of Portland, a first-team selection, tallied only one error in the field through 44 games played last season (.982 fielding percentage). Aaron Izaryk, a junior catcher, was a second-team pick who posted an impressive .995 fielding percentage as he started 52 of 56 games. Izaryk also hit .310 with a team-best 36 walks for a .428 on-base percentage. Sophomore outfielder, Ryan Quintal hit .340 on the season, earning him a spot on the all-rookie team.

The Black Bears open the 2004 season today when they play the University of St. Francis at 7 p.m. in Miami, Fla. Maine will play 14 games in the Sunshine State over the next two weeks.