Volleyball ranked third in NEC preseason poll

Somerset, N.J.- The Bryant University women's volleyball team has been ranked third in the Northeast Conference preseason poll. The results were announced Thursday.

Sacred Heart was the unanimous first place selection, with LIU in second. The Bulldogs are followed in the rankings by Central Connecticut, Fairleigh Dickinson, Saint Francis of Brooklyn, Saint Francis of PA, and Merrimack.

The Bulldogs are coming off a COVID impacted 2020-21 season that saw them contest just eleven matches. They went 6-5 overall and 6-4 in conference play, their--- most since joining Division I in 2008. 

Two returning players were named to All-NEC teams last year; Emma McGovern was a first team selection while Alysa Wright was named to the second team. Theresa Garlacy is entering her 26th season as head coach in Smithfield, with an all-time record of 537-356 (.601).

Bryant opens their season on August 27 at the URI tournament against Holy Cross.

2021-22 NEC Women's Volleyball Preseason Poll

1. Sacred Heart (unanimous)

2. LIU

3. Bryant

4. CCSU

5. Fairleigh Dickinson

6. St. Francis Brooklyn

7. Saint Francis U

8. Merrimack