The battle for the 2000-01 ECAC West regular-season title will once again be an Elmira-RIT affair, at least according to league coaches. Elmira and RIT share the role as regular-season league favorite in the 2000-01 preseason coaches’ poll.
Elmira and RIT both received eight points, including two first-place votes. The Soaring Eagles and Tigers shared the 1999-2000 regular-season crown with 5-1 records. RIT, which posted a 21-7-1 overall record a year ago, claimed the tournament title by defeating Elmira in the championship game. Elmira finished the season at 21-6.
Hobart (6-19-1 overall) and Manhattanville (8-17-1) shared the third slot in the poll with each team garnering four points. Both teams posted conference marks of 1-5 in 1999-00.
The poll was based on a three-point system (i.e., three for first, two for second and one for third). Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own team.
2000-01 West Coaches’ Poll
1. Elmira (2) 8
RIT (2) 8
3. Hobart 4
Manhattanville 4
