The University of Maine field hockey team was picked to finish fourth in the America East preseason coaches poll released Wednesday. The Black Bears of first-year coach Josette Babineau received 13 points in the voting.

Boston University was the top pick for the third straight year with 25 points and all five first-place votes. Albany was second (21 points, 1 first-place vote) and Vermont was tabbed third (16). New Hampshire (10) and associate member Fairfield University (5) rounded out the fifth and sixth spots.

UMaine opens its season Saturday at No. 5 Connecticut and plays Sunday against Sacred Heart.