BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The LIU Brooklyn women's track and field team was chosen to finish second in the Northeast Conference preseason coaches' poll, it was announced the by the league Thursday. The Blackbirds earned three first-place votes behind top-pick Sacred Heart, which earned seven.
 
Following the Blackbirds was Robert Morris in third place, Saint Francis U. in fourth and Mount St. Mary's in fifth. Wagner was picked sixth, followed by Central Connecticut, Fairleigh Dickinson, Bryant and St. Francis Brooklyn.
 
LIU Brooklyn was the runner-up for the team title at the 2014 NEC Indoor Championships, scoring 102 points. The Blackbirds won three events, and return Katrina Anderson and Josephine Watson, who both earned All-Conference honors, while Alea Stevens earned a spot on the All-Rookie Team.
 
LIU Brooklyn began the 2014-15 season last week, with the Fairleigh Dickinson Patch Meet and the Bill Ward Invitational. The Blackbirds compete again in the new year, when they head to State College, Pa. for the Penn State Relays on Jan. 10.
 
2014-15 Northeast Conference Women's Indoor Track & Field Preseason Coaches' Poll
1.       Sacred Heart (7)
2.       LIU Brooklyn (3)
3.       Robert Morris
4.       Saint Francis U
5.       Mount St. Mary's
6.       Wagner
7.       Central Connecticut
8.       Fairleigh Dickinson
9.       Bryant
10.   St. Francis Brooklyn
(First place votes in parentheses)