Bulldogs picked third in NEC preseason poll

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The Bryant University women's basketball team was selected third in the Northeast Conference in a poll of the NEC's head coaches, announced Wednesday at the conference's sixth-annual "Social" Media Day at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Bryant was chosen to finish behind Saint Francis U and Robert Morris in the upcoming season. SFU was chosen first in the conference with seven of 10 first-place votes, while the Colonials received the other three votes.

Last season, Bryant advanced to the NEC Championship game for the first time in program history. The Bulldogs finished the year 18-14 with an 11-7 record in conference games. Prior to the NEC Championship game, Bryant won eight consecutive games, including the quarter and semifinal games of the tournament.

The Bulldogs return several key pieces of last year's team, including NEC All-Rookie selection Sydney Holloway (Morgantown, W. Va.), NEC All-Tournament selection Naomi Ashley (Hamilton, Ont.) and conference assist leader Kierra Palmer (Aberdeen, Md.).

The women's basketball team will tip off its season on Nov. 10 at Boston College in a Noon start. The Bulldogs play their first game in Smithfield on Nov. 21 when they host New Hampshire at the Chace Athletic Center. Season tickets for Bryant women's basketball are available and can be found here.

To get an inside look at the Bryant women's basketball program and for the latest news, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

NEC Preseason Poll:
1. Saint Francis U (7)
2. Robert Morris (3)
3. Bryant
4. Sacred Heart
5. Central Connecticut
6. St. Francis Brooklyn
7. Fairleigh Dickinson
8. Mount St. Mary's
9. LIU Brooklyn
10. Wagner