LOWELL, MA (Aug. 20, 2008) – The UMass Lowell volleyball team, which returns 11 of 13 players from last season, was picked No. 7 in the Northeast-10 Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, released Tuesday.

The River Hawks enter the 2008 season fresh off a 12-22 overall record and a 7-7 clip in the NE-10 (sixth place). Bentley (24-10 overall, 13-1 in the NE-10) topped the poll with 12 first place votes while New Haven (24-7, 7-2 in the East Cost Conference/third), in its first year in the Conference, received two first place votes and came in at No. 2.

Merrimack (19-14, 11-3) was picked No. 3 and was followed by No. 4 Franklin Pierce (18-16, 10-4), No. 5 Pace (13-16, 9-5) and No. 6 Saint Rose (14-13, 7-7).

“I think the poll is relatively accurate based on last year’s record and finish,” said UML Head Coach Karen McNulty, entering her 15th year. “We’ve lost two key starters in Kristina Martell and Erin Hudd while most of the other teams have lost nothing."”

The River Hawks return four starters and eight players from last year’s squad who either started or saw significant action. Leading the way this season is sophomore OH Jillian Hadder (Yucaipa, CA), a NE-10 Second Team all-star who posted averages of 3.38 kills and 285 digs per game.

Also returning is junior OH Elsa LeGrand (Highlands Ranch, CO), a NE-10 Third Team selection who registered 2.88 kills and a team-high 1.01 blocks per game; and senior DS Kendra Ciccone (Quincy, MA), who chipped in 2.38 digs per game.

UMass Lowell opens the season Friday, Sept. 5 and Saturday, Sept. 6 in the University of the Sciences Classic in Philadelphia, PA. The River Hawks open at home Sept. 12-13 with matches against Franklin Pierce, Georgian Court and Merrimack.