Aug. 18, 2011

Cambridge, Mass. - Stony Brook University's volleyball team has been picked to finish fourth in the America East preseason coaches poll, the conference office announced on Thursday. The Seawolves 23 points was just two behind third place Binghamton.

Defending champion Albany was the pick to win the conference, picking up three first-place votes and 33 points. UMBC was close behind, earning three first-place votes and 31 points. Binghamton received the other first-place vote and had 25 points.

The Seawolves 23 points were eight in front of fifth place New Hampshire (15 points). Hartford (14) and Providence (six) rounded out the poll.

The top four teams during the regular season will compete at the 2011 America East Volleyball Cham- pionship on either November 18-19 or November 19-20. The top seed will host the tournament, with the winner earning an automatic berth into the NCAA Championship.

SBU returns eight letter-winners from last year's squad that fell just five points from advancing to the America East title game. Among the returnees is senior Alicia Nelson (Apple Valley, Minn.), a first team All-America East team selection last season and 2010 America East Rookie of the Year Evann Slaughter (Clinton, Md.).

Stony Brook kicks off the 2011 season on Friday, Aug. 26 against Temple as part of the Temple Invitational. The Seawolves will host the Stony Brook Holiday Inn Express Tournament on Sept. 2-3 at Pritchard Gymnasium.