ATTLEBORO, Mass. – The Lesley University women's volleyball team was voted to finish in third with 64 points as the New England Collegiate Conference Preseason Poll was released this afternoon by Assistant Commissioner for Media Relations Rebecca Mullen.

Two-time defending champion Regis College claimed the top spot in the poll, earning 81 points while collecting all nine first place votes. The Pride defeated the Lynx in the NECC Championship match in a thrilling five-setter last fall.

Newbury College, whom the Lynx defeated in the NECC Semifinals in 2016, was voted to finish second while earning just one more point with 65. Becker College and Elms College earned 43 and 42 points, respectively, while Daniel Webster College accounted 40 and was picked to finish sixth. Mitchell College (29 points), Southern Vermont College (26 points), and Bay Path University (15 points) rounded out the poll.

The Lynx registered their second straight season with 16 wins in 2015 and advanced to the NECC title match for the first time since 2010. Lesley returns a strong core in 2016, including 2015 NECC All-Conference selections Kaylee Deluga (Dennis, Mass.) and Anni Abbruzzese (Croton on Hudson, N.Y.).

Lesley will open up their season on Thursday, September 1^st when they host Pine Manor College at 8:00p in a non-conference matchup. Their conference opener will also be at the Nicholas Athletics Center when they host Becker on Saturday, October 1^st at 1:00p.

NECC WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON POLL

1. Regis College (81 points) (9 first place votes)
2. Newbury College (65 points)
3. Lesley University (64 points)
4. Becker College (43 points)
5. Elms College (42 points)
6. Daniel Webster College (40 points)
7. Mitchell College (29 points)
8. Southern Vermont College (26 points)
9. Bay Path University (15 points)