Men's Volleyball Tops NECC Preseason Poll

ATTLEBORO, Mass. - Newbury College has been tabbed as the preseason favorite to capture the 2011 New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) men's volleyball title, it was announced today by Commissioner Del Malloy.

Voting for the preseason poll was conducted among the NECC's head men’s volleyball coaches. Five of the nine NECC members sponsor men’s volleyball.

The Newbury Nighthawks (23-14, 7-1), 2010 NECC Champions, received all five first-place votes in the 2011 NECC preseason poll. The Nighthawks are led by first year head coach Chris Taylor.

Newbury returns three starting players including senior setter Matthew Talamantes (Sylmar, Cal.), senior outside hitter James Beck (Havre de Grace, Md.) and senior libero Michael Biuso (South Setauket, N.Y.).  Talamantes earned many accolades last season including First Team All-NECC and NECVA First Team All-New England, not to mention 2010 NECC Academic All-Conference honors.  Buiso was named Second Team All-NECVA. All Three players also earned 2009 All-NECC honors with Talamantes on the first team, Beck on second team and Biuso receiving honorable mention honors.

The 2010 NECC Runners-Up, Daniel Webster College claimed the second spot with 33 points. 2009 NECC Champions, Elms College was third with 29 points, while Lesley University placed fourth with 19 points. Southern Vermont College rounded out the poll at fifth place with 9 points.
 
2011 NECC PRESEASON MEN’S VOLLEYBALL POLL

TEAM, POINTS (1st Place Votes)
1-Newbury, 50 (5)
2-Daniel Webster, 33
3-Elms, 29
4-Lesley, 19
5-Southern Vermont, 9

- Story courtesy of the New England Collegiate Conference