BENNINGTON, Vt. — The New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) released the results of its 2015 women's volleyball preseason coaches poll on Monday with Southern Vermont College sitting at eighth in the league's rankings.

Regis College, the defending NECC champions, was unanimously selected to once again finish at the top of the Conference.

Southern Vermont, under the direction of first-year head coach Scott Fitzgerald, returns two players from its 2014 team who both bring back a great deal of experience and leadership. Senior Sheilani Kaleopa (Riverside, Calif.), who is only four assists away from being third on the school's all-time career record list, comes back to SVC after being named an All-NECC Honorable Mention in 2014. She is joined by junior hitter Brin Goldman (Christiansted, Virgin Islands) who will be looked upon to help power the Mountaineers' offense.

"I am very pleased with the progress that the team is making every day," commented Fitzgerald. "Our two returning players have been helpful with all the new players. I'm excited to see what this season brings the team."

SVC will work to make it back to the NECC playoffs for the sixth straight season, beginning with the team's season opener on Saturday, September 5 at Green Mountain College College. The Mountaineers start the Conference schedule September 19 at Daniel Webster College, and SVC will hold Senior Night on October 30 during a contest with Regis at the Mountaineer Athletic Center.

2015 NECC Women's Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Regis – 81 (9)
2. Newbury -71
3. Lesley – 57
4. Daniel Webster – 55
5. Becker – 37
6. Mitchell – 34
7. Elms – 30
8. Southern Vermont – 28
9. Bay Path – 12

(Parentheses denote first place votes)