BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The LIU Brooklyn women's basketball team was selected to finish eighth in the Northeast Conference, according to a poll taken of the leagues coaches. The preseason poll was released Tuesday at NEC Social Media Day at Barclays Center.
 
The Blackbirds were picked behind Robert Morris (who received five first place votes), Sacred Heart (three first place votes), Mount St. Mary's (one first place vote), Saint Francis U. (one first place vote), Central Connecticut, St. Francis Brooklyn and Bryant. Rounding out the poll was Fairleigh Dickinson in ninth place, followed by Wagner.
 
LIU returns three starters and eight letter winners from the 2012-13 team. Seniors Cleandra Roberts, Fanny Cavallo, Genise Presley, and Courtney Sullivan, along with juniors Kelly Robinson and Letava Whippy and sophomores Sophie Bhasin and Jahmia Phillips, welcomed seven newcomers to the fold this offseason, and will look to improve on last year's 7-22 overall record.  

The Preseason All-NEC Team features last year's NEC Player of the Year, Artemis Spanou from Robert Morris, a unanimous selection to the team, along with 2013 First Team honoree Alli Williams from Saint Francis (Pa.), who was also voted in unanimously. Three members from last year's Second Team were also on the preseason list, including Naana Ankoma-Mensa from Bryant, a unanimous selection, and Sydney Henderson (Mount St. Mary's) and Gabrielle Washington (Sacred Heart).
 
The Blackbirds will open their season Friday, Nov. 8, hosting New York City rival Columbia. Tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m.
 
2013-14 WBB Preseason Poll
 
1. Robert Morris (5)   
2. Sacred Heart (3)   
3. Mount St. Mary's (1)       
4. Saint Francis U (1)      
5. Central Connecticut        
6. St. Francis Brooklyn    
7. Bryant      
8. LIU Brooklyn      
9. Fairleigh Dickinson      
10. Wagner
 
2013-14 WBB Preseason All-NEC Team
 
Naana Ankoma-Mensa, Bryant*
Sydney Henderson, Mount St. Mary's
Artemis Spanou, Robert Morris*
Gabrielle Washington, Sacred Heart
Ali Williams, Saint Francis U*