CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The Lesley women's volleyball team collected 43 points and has been chosen to finish in fifth place in the annual New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) Preseason Coaches poll released today by NECC Assistant Commissioner for Communications, Robb Modica. The Lynx concluded the 2012 campaign with a 4-4 conference record, just missing out on the playoffs and finished fifth in the NECC.

Lesley will welcome back several key returners this season, including two of their top defensive players, with hopes of reaching the conference tournament. Junior Anthea Rathjens (Sudbury, Mass.) helped solidify the front line and was second on the team with 16 total blocks while sophomore Danielle MacDonald (Lilitz, Pa.) led the team with 245 digs and was third in the NECC with 4.22 digs/set.

Newbury College was picked to finish at the top of the standings, finishing with 75 points, while Regis College was tabbed in second with 67 total points. Last year's NECC Champion, Southern Vermont College, earned 64 points and was picked to finish third in the conference.

To view the official release, please click here.

2013 NECC Women's Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll

1.)    Newbury College – 75 points

2.)    Regis College – 67 points

3.)    Southern Vermont – 64 points

4.)    Daniel Webster – 56 points

5.)    Lesley University – 43 points

6.)    Bay Path College – 34 points

7.)    Elms College – 29 points

8.)    Mitchell College – 25 points

9.)    Becker College – 12 points