NECC Releases 2013 Women's Volleyball Preseason Poll

ATTLEBORO, Mass.-Newbury was chosen by the conference coaches as the favorite for the upcoming women's volleyball season. The Nighthawks, who earned 75 points and three first place votes, return two starters including junior outside hitter Lauren Watson from last year's team that finished 6-2 in league play. Bay Path earns sixth spot led by 2013 NECC Defensive Player of the year Kacie Bayreuther.

The Pride return all six starters from a squad that was 5-3 during the regular season and made an appearance in the NECC tournament final. Regis will be led by senior middle hitter Vanessa Noesi who led the NECC in blocks and senior libero Sara Gold who was a first-team all-conference selection last season.

Southern Vermont, who has not lost a conference regular season or NECC tournament game in two years, was the third choice with 64 points and three first place votes. The Mountaineers will be looking to new faces to fill the void left by the graduation of two time NECC Player of the Year Jessica Alvarez

The Wildcats are begin the 2013 campaign under new head coach grace Novacek. The Wildcats finished 12-11 in 2012 and will return seven student-athletes and five starters.

2013 NECC Women's Volleyball Coaches Poll

1. Newbury - 75 (3)

2. Regis - 67 (3)

3. Southern Vermont - 64 (3)

4. Daniel Webster - 56

5. Lesley - 43

6. Bay Path - 34

7. Elms - 29

8. Mitchell - 25

9. Becker - 12