ATTLEBORO, Mass. - Newbury College has been tabbed as the preseason favorite to capture the New England Collegiate Conference men's volleyball title, it was announced today by Commissioner Del Malloy. Voting for the preseason poll was conducted among the NECC's head men's volleyball coaches.

This is the inaugural year for the New England Collegiate Conference. Five of the nine NECC members sponsor men's volleyball.

The Newbury Nighthawks (33-10, 11-2 NECVA) received all five first-place votes in the 2009 NECC preseason poll. The Nighthawks are led by first year head coach Jamie Terenzi.

Newbury returns four starting players including sophomore setter Matthew Talamantes (Sylmar, Calif.), senior outside hitter Bryan McDermand (Palatine, Ill.), junior middle hitter Mark Thomas (Wilbraham, Mass.) and sophomore libero Michael Biuso (South Setauket, N.Y.).  Talamantes was a 2008 First Team NECVA All-New England member, while McDermand and Thomas were chosen to the second team.

Elms College claimed the second spot with 35 points. Lesley University was third with 29 points while Daniel Webster College was fourth with 26 points. Southern Vermont College rounded out the poll at fifth place with 20 points.
 
2009 NECC PRESEASON MEN'S VOLLEYBALL POLL

TEAM, POINTS (1st Place Votes)
1-Newbury, 40 (5)
2-Elms, 35
3-Lesley, 29
4-Daniel Webster, 26
5-Southern Vermont, 20