WESTFIELD, Mass. -- With the winter regular season wrapped up, Westfield State has retained their lead in the 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 currently has 90.17 points (80.51 percent) out of 112 possible points after the conclusion of the winter season. The Owls were in the top spot in all three winter sports of men’s basketball, women’s basketball and men’s ice hockey.

Moving into the second place slot is Bridgewater State with 68.33 points (68.33 percent) out of a possible 100 points. The Bears finished second in both the men’s and women’s basketball standings.

Next up is Framingham State in third with 65.67 points (58.63 percent) out of 112 points. The Rams were tied for third in the women’s basketball standings with Worcester State who follows in fourth with 61.83 points (55.21 percent) of 112 possible. The Lancers also tied with Framingham State for fourth in men’s ice hockey.

Fitchburg State ended the winter season with 53.50 points (53.50 percent) out of 100 points available, good enough for fifth. The Falcons closed out the regular season third in men’s basketball and ice hockey. Massachusetts Maritime remains in the sixth spot with 22.50 points (35.16 percent) out of 64 possible. The Buccaneers don’t compete in the MASCAC winter sports.

Rounding out the winter Howard C. Smith Cup standings are Salem State and MCLA in seventh and eighth, respectively. The Vikings had 33.50 points (33.50 percent) out of 100 possible after finishing second in the men’s ice hockey standings. MCLA finished with 21.50 points (21.50 percent) out of 100 available points. The Trailblazers were tied for fourth at the end of the regular season in men’s basketball.

The 2014-15 Howard C. Smith Cup standings through the winter sports seasons are as follows: