ORONO – The University of Maine softball team was picked to finish third out of eight teams in the America East conference according to a coaches’ poll released Wednesday.

The Black Bears, who return four starters and nine letterwinners from a team that won the 2006 America East regular-season title, earned 46 points in the poll. Boston University (58 points, five first-place votes) was picked to finish first and defending conference champion Albany was second (46 points, two first-place votes).

University of Maryland Baltimore County was fourth (41 points, including one first-place vote). Stony Brook (40) was fifth, followed by Hartford (22), Vermont (15) and Binghamton (13).

Maine was 35-19 (16-5 in America East) last year and earned the top seed and the right to host the conference tournament but went 0-2 in the tourney.

Among Maine’s returning players are sophomore pitcher Jenna Balent, the reigning conference Rookie of the Year who went 14-12 with a league-best 1.35 ERA, and all-rookie team member Ashley Waters, a second baseman who batted .252.

Bears coach Stacey Sullivan was the conference 2006 Coach of the Year in her first season.

Maine opens its season Saturday and Sunday with a 3-game series at the University of Kentucky.

UMaine women look to regroup

The UMaine women’s basketball team is determined to regroup after Tuesday’s disappointing 80-74 America East loss to Vermont at Alfond Arena in Orono.

Coach Ann McInerney’s Black Bears (12-11, 6-6 AE) clearly were not pleased with their effort, especially as they try to put together a strong stretch run.

“I think we really need to reach deep not and get the job done, no excuses,” said senior Bracey Barker of Bar Harbor.

“It’s toward the end of the season. We have four games left, regular-season conference, and we can’t have those [defensive] lapses,” she added.

UMaine sits in fourth place as it gears up for Saturday’s game at Boston University. The Bears have some issues to work through as they try to peak in time for the America East Championship March 7-10 in Vestal, N.Y.

McInerney continues to challenge her players to be better competitors in tough situations.

“It’s a toughness factor,” McInerney said, referring to what was lacking against Vermont. “We needed to play tougher mentally and tougher physically.”