CAMBRIDGE, MA -- After going to five sets in upending Daniel Webster to win the 2010 New England Collegiate Conference Tournament, Lesley is picked to finish in third place behind only the Eagles and Southen Vermont in this year's NECC coaches' poll, the league announced Tuesday afternoon.

Lesley collected 61 points, eight behind Southern Vermont and 11 behind Daniel Webster, which received 72 points and led all teams with four first-place votes. The Mountaineers received three first-place votes, while Lesley and league newcomer Regis, picked to finish fifth with 41 points, each received one.

After making the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history a season ago, Lesley and first-year head coach Tricia Lawler, an assistant with the Lynx in 2010, look to defend their title starting on Saturday, when the team travels to Maine  to take on Maine Maritime Academy and Maine-Presque Isle.

2011 NECC Women's Volleyball Coaches Poll

1. Daniel Webster - 72 (4)

2. Southern Vermont - 69 (3)

3. Lesley - 61 (1)

4. Newbury - 59

5. Regis - 41 (1)

6. Elms - 37

7. Mitchell - 26

8. Bay Path - 21

9. Becker - 19