SOMERSET, N.J. --- The LIU Brooklyn women's track and field team have been voted to finish second in the Northeast Conference, the league announced Thursday afternoon with the release of its outdoor track preseason poll.

The Blackbirds were predicted to finish behind 2016 champion Sacred Heart, earning a first-place vote in the process.

LIU has been a consistent title contender in the NEC, finishing second in its last two NEC championships - last year's outdoor competition and the Indoor Championships held last February.

Senior Cassandra Jones led the charge for LIU at last month's meet, earning Meet MVP and the Most Outstanding Track Performer (Sprints). Freshman Stephanie Esogenwune was named the Most Outstanding Rookie Performer in her first conference championship meet. At last year's outdoor meet, the Blackbirds secured wins in six events to set up their silver medal finish.

The team opened the outdoor season last weekend at the University of Miami Hurricane Invitational and will compete again next week at the Florida Relays in Gainesville. The NEC Outdoor Championships will take place on May 6 in Emmitsburg, Md.