CAMBRIDGE, MASS-- Lesley Univeristy Womens Volleyball tabbed top of the NECC Womens Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll, as relased by conference officials. The Lynx tallied two first place votes and 43 total points as voted on by the head coaches in the NECC.
The Lynx return two former All-Conference First Team Members in Kaylee Deluga and Annie Abbruzzese, and are looking to build off last season under first hear head coach, Jim Ray. The Lynx will be challenged for the top spot by Newbury College. The Nighthawks finished second in the polls by one point, while earning five of the first place votes. Newbury has four members returning from a season ago highlighted by the reigning NECC Defensive Player of the Year, Julia Leggett. The Nighthawks will have to work with out two time NECC Player of the Year, Courtney Banks who finished her career last season.
Third in the polls went to Becker College with 29 points. The Hawks will have three key returners, senior Charlene Landry, junior Kayla Dupree, and sophomore Micaela Rice, to balance out the newcomers on their squad. Close behind in fourth place, with 26 points, was Elms College. The Blazers return six players from a season ago and hope that their experience can lead them to the NECC playoffs.
Bay Path University finished with 25 points for fifth in the polls. The Wildcats made a strong playoff push in 2016 to make it to the NECC Semifinals. Bay Path returns three of their starters and hopes to build on last seasons success. Closing out the polls in sixth place was Mitchell College who earned 23 total points, while Southern Vermont College finished in seventh with eight points.
Lesley opens up its 2017 slate at Eastern Connecticut State September 2, and host its first home match Thursday September 7 against Pine Manor.
2017 NECC Women's Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll
- Lesley - 43 (2)
- Newbury - 42 (5)
- Becker – 29
- Elms– 26
- Bay Path - 25
- Mitchell – 23
- Southern Vermont – 8
Courtesey of NECC Athletic Communicatons