SOMERSET, N.J. - The Northeast Conference released the league's volleyball preseason coaches' poll Wednesday morning, and LIU Brooklyn, the five-time reigning regular season champions, were picked to finish second overall. Defending NEC Tournament champion Robert Morris was picked to repeat their success, with six votes, while the Blackbirds and Sacred Heart each earned one first place vote in the poll. Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own teams.

LIU has won the NEC Championship nine of the last 12 years, including advancing to the championship match 12 of the last 13 years. 2016 will bring a new look to the Steinberg Wellness Center, as the Blackbirds graduated five seniors from a team that went 12-2 in conference action in 2015, and 14-14 overall. LIU will be looking to fill holes left by four-time NEC Libero of the Year, Adriana Viñas Joy, and first-team All-NECers Tamara Ignjic and Nicole Okeke. LIU welcomed six newcomers to campus this August who will look to step up for the Blackbirds.

LIU opens the 2016 season Friday, August 26, taking part in the Boston College Invitational in Chestnut Hill, Mass, facing off with the host Eagles, and the Fresno State Bulldogs.

2016 NEC Women's Volleyball Preseason Poll
1. Robert Morris (6)
2. LIU Brooklyn (1)
3. Bryant
4. Sacred Heart (1)
5. Central Connecticut
6. St. Francis Brooklyn
7. Saint Francis U
8. Fairleigh Dickinson