Posted: Feb 13, 2026

Baseball Picked Eighth in 2026 GNAC Preseason Poll

WINTHROP, Mass. - Following a vote amongst the league's head coaches, the Elms College Baseball team has been selected to finish eighth in the 2026 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Baseball Preseason Poll, as announced on Friday afternoon.

2026 GNAC Baseball Preseason Poll Release - February 13, 2026

Elms is entering their fifth season with the GNAC, when asked about competing and the outlook for the upcoming season Coach John Raiola stated that "this season feels like a fresh start for our program. We've graduated some great players, and now bring in a bunch of new guys who bring great energy, enthusiasm, and work ethic. I'm looking forward to the process of building something special and watching how this group comes together as they compete, learn, and build their identity one day at a time".

The Blazers finished their season with an overall record of 10-22, with a 4-12 conference record. After missing the GNAC Tournament last year, the Elms Baseball team is ready to build upon their hard work during the offseason.

Elms will start the season on the road at Clark University on Sunday, February 22nd for a doubleheader at 12 & 2:30 pm. The Blazers will spend Spring Break in Davenport and Auburndale, Fla. to compete in the RussMatt Invitational from Friday, March 6th through Saturday, March 14th. Elms will then start an eight-game homestand on Tuesday, March 17th against Anna Maria College at Mackenzie Stadium, followed by starting conference play against Norwich University for a doubleheader on Saturday, March 21st. The Blazers will have their first away conference contest on Sunday, March 29th at Saint Joseph's College of Maine.

The 2026 GNAC Tournament will begin on Saturday, May 2nd for the first of three days of Pod Play of the tournament leading up to the Championship which will be held on Saturday, May 9th in which the winning team will have a chance to qualify into the 2026 NCAA Division III Baseball Tournament.

2026 GNAC Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Mitchell College ……………………………… 114 (8)

2. Univ. of Saint Joseph, Conn. ……………….. 109 (3)

3. Saint Joseph's College of Maine ……….. 92

4. Lasell University ………..………………………. 85

5. Colby-Sawyer College ………………………….. 83

6. Rivier University ……………………………..…. 71

7. Norwich University ………………………………… 48

8. Elms College ………………………………….…. 42

9. Dean College ……………………….…………….. 31

11. New England College ……………………….….. 22

(First Place votes are in parentheses)