Skyhawks aim to keep momentum going after semifinal run last season
2018 NE10 Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll
Pennino is one of three seniors leading the squad this year, she ranked second in blocks per set last season |
EASTON, Mass. (August 14, 2018) – The Stonehill College volleyball team was picked to finish ninth in the Northeast-10 Conference by the 15 coaches, the league announced Tuesday morning.
The University of New Haven, who has taken home six titles in 10 years including the last two seasons, was voted to take the crown again this season tallying 179 points and six first-place votes. American International College followed the returning champion for second place in the preseason poll with 169 points and one first-place tally, while NE10 runner-up Southern Connecticut State University came close to the Yellow Jackets as they secured 168 points and four first-place votes. Bentley University (162 points) and Adelphi University (161 points) earned one and three first-place marks, respectively to round out the top five.
Saint Anselm College collected 122 points, good for sixth place, with Pace University not far behind with 120 points and seventh place. Le Moyne College earned 100 points, the Skyhawks totaled 96 points, and Southern New Hampshire University came in close behind with 91 points to finish out the top 10 in the preseason poll.
Stonehill's 2017 regular season ended in a four-way tie with Saint Anselm College, Southern Connecticut State University, and Pace University putting the Skyhawks in fifth place for their first NE10 Tournament appearance in three years. The Skyhawks were able to get past No. 4 seed Adelphi, 3-1, with a four-set quarterfinal battle with set scores of 25-23, 25-21, 20-25, 25-19. In program history, Stonehill has now reached the semifinal round nine times and this time the Skyhawks fought until the end of a five-set match against No. 1 University of New Haven, where the Chargers ended up on top, 3-2, with set scores of 27-29, 25-18, 17-25, 25-20, 15-13. Stonehill concluded the run 12-15 overall and 8-6 in Conference play.
In her fourth year at the helm of the Skyhawks, Colpoys saw her first NE10 Conference winning record and first NE10 Tournament appearance which was led by five seniors. This season, Colpoys will have three lead the squad and six freshmen will be added to the lineup.
Sophomore Givens chipped in 10.08 assists per set and 24 serving aces last season |
Senior outside hitter Allyson Hughes (Modesto, California/Big Valley Christian) led the team last season in kills per set, averaging 3.07 and ranking eighth in the Conference. Sophomore outside hitter Sophia Poveda (Miami, Florida/Westminster Christian School) also chipped in during her first season in the Purple and White as she noted 1.84 kills per set, sitting fourth on the team.
At the net, senior Megan Pennino (Wantagh, New York/Wantagh) averaged 0.63 blocks per set, for second on the team, while sophomore Jessica Givens (Albuquerque, New Mexico/St. Pius X) assisted the team with her 0.39 blocks per set. Givens also led the team in assists per set with 10.08, ranking second in the Conference, and notched 24 serving aces to be tied for third on the team and being named to the NE10 All-Rookie Team.
Stonehill opens its 2018 campaign with two matches in Manchester, New Hampshire against Saint Anselm College and Shepherd University on Saturday, August 25, followed by a single contest against Southern New Hampshire University on Sunday, August 26. The Skyhawks will host Georgian Court University, Felician College, and Merrimack Colllege for the 2018 Skyhawk Invitational from Saturday, September 1 to Sunday, September 2 at Merkert Gymnasium.
For the latest on Stonehill Athletics, follow the Skyhawks via social media on Twitter and Facebook. Fans can also download the Stonehill Skyhawks "Front Row" mobile app, powered by PrestoSports, on iTunes and the Android Market.
2018 Northeast-10 Conference Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. University of New Haven – 179 (6)
2. American International College – 169 (1)
3. Southern Connecticut State University – 168 (4)
4. Bentley University – 162 (1)
5. Adelphi University – 161 (3)
6. Saint Anselm College – 122
7. Pace University – 120
8. Le Moyne College – 100
9. Stonehill College – 96
10. Southern New Hampshire University – 91
11. Franklin Pierce University – 72
12. College of Saint Rose – 42
13. Assumption College – 40
14. Merrimack College – 38
15. Saint Michael's College – 15
(#) – indicates first-place votes