LOWELL, MA (Aug. 24, 2007) – The UMass Lowell volleyball team, anxious to improve on a 16-16 record last year, was selected to place fifth in the Northeast-10 Conference Coaches Preseason Poll, released Thursday.

Bentley (27-11 overall, 13-1 in the NE-10), which finished second last year, was selected as the favorite while regular season champion Saint Rose (26-6, 14-0) and Bryant University (21-19, 12-2) were picked second and third, respectively.

Franklin Pierce (18-10, 9-5), was chosen fourth while Le Moyne (20-12, 9-5) was selected sixth. Pace (10-19, 8-6), Merrimack (11-16, 7-7), Southern New Hampshire (13-12, 7-7) and Stonehill (5-22, 3-11) closed out the top 10.

“Of course our goal will be to win the conference and finish better that fifth,” said Head Coach Karen McNulty, entering her 14th year. “Right now as a team, I think we’re ahead of where I expected us to be. We’re in relatively good shape and we’re seeing some nice things from our freshmen who are going to contribute right away. I’m happy right now with where are.”

UMass Lowell returns seven players from last year, including four of its top five hitters, led by sophomore MH Elsa LeGrand (Highlands Ranch, CO), a NE-10 all-star in 2006. LeGrand posted team-highs of 2.90 kills and 0.76 blocks per game last year.

Also back is sophomore OH Allie Eide (Gresham, OR) and senior MH Erin Hudd (Melrose, MA). One of the top newcomers in the NE-10 last year, Eide registered 2.06 kills and team-highs of 3.65 digs and 0.57 service aces per game while Hudd chipped in 1.85 kills and 0.50 blocks per game.

Senior Kristina Martell (Chelmsford, MA) is also expected to be more of a presence this season after averages of 1.74 kills and 2.82 digs.

UML opens the season Saturday, Sept. 1 at home with matches against Concordia (NY) University (11:00) and Post University (3:00). The River Hawks open NE-10 play thereafter, hosting Southern New Hampshire Wednesday, Sept. 5 at 7:00.