WESTFIELD, Mass. -- Following the end of the winter regular season, Worcester State maintains their lead in the second round of 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.

Worcester State held on to their lead with 79.50 (70.98 percent) out of 112 possible points. During the winter season, the Lancers finished second in men’s ice hockey, third in women’s basketball and tied for fourth in men’s basketball.

Jumping a spot from the fall rankings is Westfield State in second with 74.50 points (66.52 percent) out of 112 possible. The Owls were atop the standings in women’s basketball at the end of the season while grabbing third in men’s ice hockey and tied for fourth in men’s basketball.

Sitting in third with 63.50 points (63.50 percent) out of 100 possible is Bridgewater State. The Bears finished third in men’s basketball and fourth on the women’s side. Framingham State is close behind in fourth with 62.50 (55.80) out of a possible 112 points. The Rams were second in women’s basketball, fifth in men’s hockey and sixth in men’s basketball.

Fitchburg State climbs a spot into fifth with 46.50 points (46.50) out of 100 possible. The Falcons took home the MASCAC regular season title in men’s basketball and finished fourth in men’s ice hockey. Massachusetts Maritime is next in sixth place. The Buccaneers tallied 28 points (43.75 percent) out of 64 possible points. They do not compete in winter sports.

Rounding out the winter standings are Salem State in seventh and MCLA in eighth. The Vikings tallied 36.50 points (43.45 percent) out of 84 possible after finishing first in men’s ice hockey and second in men’s basketball at the conclusion of the winter season. The Trailblazers had 24 points (31.58 percent) out of 76 possible. They finished tied for fifth in women’s basketball and seventh on the men’s side.

The 2016-17 Howard C. Smith Cup standings through the winter sports seasons are as follows: