Aug. 19, 2008

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook University's volleyball team has been picked to finish fifth this season in the America East Volleyball preseason poll. This is familiar territory for the Seawolves, who were picked fifth last season before finishing the conference schedule with an 11-1 record and the regular season title.

While the Seawolves did graduate four starters from last year's team, they have strong senior leadership with Gulce Nazli Dikecligil (Istanbul, Turkey) and Jessica Graham (Eastport, N.Y.) and a talented returning group of juniors and sophomores. Head coach Deborah Matejka-DesLauriers filled out this year's roster with two junior college transfers from Phoenix and two freshmen.

Reigning America East Champion, Albany, claimed first place in the poll, followed closely by New Hampshire and UMBC. Binghamton took fourth, while Hartford and Maine finished sixth and seventh respectively.

Stony Brook opens the 2008 season August 29th at the Central Connecticut State University Blue Devil Invitational in New Britain, Connecticut against Iona at 4:00 p.m.

2008 America East Volleyball Preseason Poll Albany (4) 33 New Hampshire (2) 31 UMBC (1) 29 Binghamton 21 Stony Brook 16 Hartford 9 Maine 8