Attleboro, MA -- The Lynx were picked to finish sixth in the New England Collegiate Conference Men's Volleyball preseason poll, following a vote by the conference coaches. Lesley will look to improve on a 2012 campaign in which they went 2-16 and 2-10 in NECC play.

Endicott College and Elms College each ended up with 44 points and was tied atop the poll.

Endicott, who received four first place votes and 44 points, returns just one starter from a team that went undefeated in NECC play last season. The Gulls, who are under new leadership for the first time since 2011, posted a perfect 12-0 mark before falling to Elms in the NECC Championship.

Defending champion Elms College, under fifth-year head coach Sheila Gisbrecht, will look to defend their NECC crown by returning seven players from last year's squad which earned a spot in the inaugural NCAA Division III Championship for the sport of men's volleyball. The Blazers, who received 44 points and three first place votes, return four starters from their 9-3 squad including junior middle hitter Bryson Rainey, a NECC first team all-conference selection.

Southern Vermont, who returns all six starters and 2012 NECC Rookie of the Year Joey Dighton, placed third followed by Daniel Webster, Newbury, Lesley and Regis.

2013 NECC Men's Volleyball Coaches Poll

T-1. Endicott - 44 (4)
T-1. Elms - 44 (3)
3. Southern Vermont - 35
4. Daniel Webster - 30
5. Newbury - 22
6. Lesley - 11
7. Regis - 10