Women's Volleyball Picked To Repeat As NECC Champs

MARSHFIELD, Mass. – The Elms College women’s volleyball team picked up 99 of 100 possible points in the New England Collegiate Conference Preseason Coaches poll, the league announced on Monday. The 2017 NECC Champions were picked to defend their crown after receiving nine out of 10 first-place votes.

Tenth-year head coach Sheila Gisbrecht, the 2017 NECC Coach of the Year, returns every starter from a season ago, including First-Team All-NECC outside hitter Danielle Redding (Las Vegas, Nev.) and the 2017 NECC Rookie of the Year, setter Dakota Stewart (Victoria, Texas). The Blazers advanced to the NCAA Tournament after going 19-10 overall and a perfect 7-0 in NECC play before winning the NECC Tournament in 2017.

Elms is followed in the poll by NECC-newcomers New England College and Eastern Nazarene. NEC picked up 79 points in the poll while Eastern Nazarene garnered 71, including the final first-place vote. Becker (61) was picked fourth, followed by Lesley (58), Southern Vermont (57), Dean (53) and Bay Path (29). Mitchell and Newbury were tied for ninth with 22 points each.

The Blazers open the 2018 season at home with the Blazer Invitational, beginning on Aug. 31 against SUNY Cobleskill at 6:30 p.m.

2018 NECC Women’s Volleyball Coaches Poll
Elms- 99 (9) 
New England College- 79 
Eastern Nazarene- 71 (1) 
Becker- 61
Lesley- 58
Southern Vermont- 57
Dean- 53
Bay Path- 29 
Mitchell- 22
Newbury- 22