NEWPORT, R.I. – The results of the 2012 New England Football Conference (NEFC) preseason coaches' poll revealed Salve Regina University as one of the favorites to win the conference championship this season.
In the Boyd Division, the Seahawks received a total of 54 points, tying with Endicott College for the second most points in the division. Western New England was tabbed the slim favorite to win the division, edging out Salve Regina and Endicott by earning 58 total points.
The Seahawks are coming off their most successful season in over a decade, finishing with an 8-3 overall record, including a 5-2 mark during Boyd Division play. Salve Regina hosted the 2011 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) North-West Bowl, defeating Worcester State University by a score of 26-6, capturing its first bowl victory since 1998. The Seahawks finished the year ranked No. 9 in the New England Division III Football Poll.