Women's Volleyball Picked Seventh in NECC Preseason Poll

Chris Kendrick (@CKendrick86)

ATTLEBORO, Mass. – The Elms College women's volleyball team was voted seventh in the 2015 New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) Women's Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll, announced by the league office. The Blazers collected 30 totals points in the coaches' vote.

The Blazers are returning seven players from their 2014 squad, who finished with an overall record of 5-20 with a 2-6 mark in NECC play. A strong core of veterans leaders will be back in the green and gold, including seniors Shannon Bolton (Shelton, Conn.), Alex Mack (Wilbraham, Mass.), and J.C. Pickett (Chicopee, Mass.), who is coming back from injury after missing the 2014 season. Bolton has been a three-year starter at setter for Elms, ranking second all-time in assists with 1,048 and fifth in assists per set with 4.52. Mack, a fellow three-year starter, has amassed 507 career digs, 360 career kills, and 85 career service aces. Pickett returns in 2015 after earning All-NECC Honorable Mention honors following the 2013 season, where Pickett led the Blazers in kills with 181 along with 209 digs and 39 service aces.

Regis College received all nine of the possible first place votes. The Pride will look to the experience of their five returning starters including all NECC Second Team members Gracie Molinari and Nicole Connolly.

Finishing second in the polls is Newbury College with 71 total points. The Nighthawks will look to Courtney Banks, the 2014 Player of Year, and Lina Miranda, the 2014 Rookie of the Year, to lead them back to the championship match.  

Rounding out the top three is Lesley University with 57 points. The Lynx will be led by Anni Abbruzzese who was part of the 2014 NECC First Team. Daniel Webster was close behind with 55 total points.  The Eagles will look to capitalize on the experience of their four returning starters from a season ago. 

Becker College finished in fifth with 37 total points, while Mitchell landed in sixth with 34 points. Closing out the polls is Elms College with 30 points, Southern Vermont College with 28 points, and Bay Path University with 12 points.

2015 NECC Women's Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll

1. Regis – 81 (9)
2. Newbury -71
3. Lesley – 57
4. Daniel Webster – 55
5. Becker – 37
6. Mitchell – 34
7. Elms – 30
8. Southern Vermont – 28
9. Bay Path – 12

Source: (NECC)

ELMS VOLLEYBALL