WESTFIELD, Mass. -- Following the completion of the winter regular season, Westfield State retains the lead in the 2015-16 Howard C. Smith Cup standings.

The Smith Cup is awarded annually to the member institution which compiles the most points based on the placement of each of its programs competing in the 15 league championship sports.The Smith Cup is named in honor of former Massachusetts State College Trustee Howard C. Smith, who in 1970, urged the athletic directors of the eight State institutions to hold a series of meetings to discuss the possibility of forming an intercollegiate conference. In June of 1971, Smith’s dream became a reality as an affirmative agreement was reached and the MASCAC was created.

Westfield State holds on to the lead with 84 points (75 percent) out of 112 possible points. The Owls finished first in women’s basketball and tied for second in men’s ice hockey.

Sitting in second is Bridgewater State with 65.5 points (65.50 percent) out of 100 points available. The Bears had a third place showing in both men’s and women’s basketball. 

Framingham State is next in third with 66.67 points (59.52 percent) of 112 points. The Rams closed out the regular season second in women’s basketball and tied for fourth in men’s ice hockey.

Fitchburg State moves into the fourth spot with 55.17 points (55.17 percent) out of 100 points. The Falcons took home the a share of the men’s basketball regular season crown and tied for second in men’s ice hockey. 

Worcester State finished the winter season with 55.17 points (49.26 percent) out of 112 points available, good enough for fifth. The Lancers finished tied for third in men’s basketball and tied for fourth in both women’s basketball and men’s ice hockey.  

Salem State climbs to the sixth spot with 20 points (45.83) out of a possible 84 points. The Vikings claimed a share of the men’s basketball regular season title and the outright men’s ice hockey crown.  

Rounding out the Winter Howard C. Smith Cup standings are MCLA and Massachusetts Maritime in seventh and eighth, respectively. The Trailblazers tallied 30 points (39.47 percent) out of 76 possible points. During the winter season, they finished tied for fourth in women’s basketball and sixth in men’s basketball. The Buccaneers finished with 20 points (31.25 percent) out of  64 possible points. They do not compete in MASCAC winter sports.