Owls Picked 2nd in LEC Preseason Poll

NORTH DARTMOUTH, Mass. 8/26/09 - After hoisting the Little East Conference Championship for the first time in program history last season, the Keene State women's volleyball team was voted second in the preseason poll, announced by the league office on Wednesday. UMass-Boston grabbed four first place votes and 59 points for the top spot, while the Owls received three first place votes and 56 points.

"UMass-Boston returns everybody and is a great team," said Bob Weiner, the Owls fifth-year coach. "I am glad the conference coaches respect us enough to give us some first place votes and second place in the poll."

The Owls won at least 25 matches for the third consecutive campaign, setting a new school record with an overall mark of 29-9. The Owls return 11 players from last year's championship squad that posted a perfect 6-0 LEC record, including first-team All-Little East setter Jordan Pokryfki (Wasilla, Alaska) who already holds the career mark for most sets in a match, season and a career. Outside hitter Bridget O'Bryant (Merrimack, N.H.) also returns to the Owls after being named to the All-Little East Conference First Team in her freshman campaign.

Keene State opens its season at Southern New Hampshire on Sept. 2.