WESTFIELD, Mass. -- With the conclusion of winter regular season, Bridgewater State retains their lead in the 2025-26 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 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.

Holding on to the lead with 80 points out of 100 (80 percent), Bridgewater State finished first in women’s basketball and fifth in men’s basketball to close out the winter. 

Right behind in second place is Westfield State with 89.5 points out of 112 available (79.91 percent). The Owls topped the winter standings in men’s basketball, tied for second in men’s ice hockey and third in women’s basketball. 

Worcester State is third at the end of the winter season with 62.5 points out of 112 possible (55.80 percent). The Lancers were second in men’s basketball and fifth in both men’s ice hockey and women’s basketball.

 

Sitting in fourth is Framingham State after collecting 61 points out of 112 available (54.46 percent). The Rams came in second in women’s basketball, fourth in men’s basketball and seventh in men’s ice hockey. 

Salem State is next in fifth with 40.5 points out of 84 possible points (48.21 percent). The Vikings were third in men’s basketball, fourth in women’s basketball and fourth in men’s ice hockey.

Coming in sixth and seventh are Mass. Maritime and Fitchburg State. The Buccaneers have 27 points out of 64 possible (42.19 percent) following the fall since they don’t compete in winter sports. The Falcons tallied 45 points out of 112 points (40.18 percent) after finishing tied for second in men’s ice hockey, tied for sixth in men’s basketball and seventh in women’s basketball. 

Rounding out the winter Smith Cup standings are Anna Maria and MCLA in eighth and ninth. The AMCATS collected 38 points out of 96 available (39.58 percent) after finishing first in men’s ice hockey, sixth in women’s basketball and eighth in men’s basketball. The Trailblazers have 21.5 points out of 80 possible (26.88 percent) after coming in sixth in men’s ice hockey, tied for sixth in men’s basketball and eighth in women’s basketball.

The final Smith Cup standings will be announced following the completion of the spring sports season in May.