RICHMOND, Va. – The Colonial Athletic Association released its 2016 preseason volleyball poll today, Aug. 17. According to a vote by the conference’s head coaches, Elon is predicted to finish ninth as the Phoenix begins its third season in the CAA.
Hofstra was selected as the 2016 preseason favorite with four first-place votes and 56 total points. The Pride won the CAA Championship in 2014 and shared the regular-season crown last year. UNCW, the reigning CAA champions, was picked second with 52 points and one first-place vote. Towson came in a close third with 51 points and two first-place votes followed by James Madison with 49 points and two first-place votes.
College of Charleston garnered 42 points for fifth, while Delaware (25 points), William & Mary (20 points), Northeastern (16 points) and Elon (13 points) round out the league.
The Phoenix returns 12 players from 2015, including five starters, and welcomes three newcomers to the team. Head coach Mary Tendler enters her 14th season as the head coach of the maroon and gold.
Elon plays its first match of the season at Charlotte in the Charlotte Invitational on Friday, Aug. 26, at noon in Charlotte, N.C.
CAA Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Hoftstra (4) – 56
2. UNCW (1) – 52
3. Towson (2) – 51
4. James Madison (2) – 49
5. College of Charleston – 42
6. Delaware – 25
7. William & Mary – 20
8. Northeastern – 16
9. Elon – 13
( ) = First-place votes