Aug. 21, 2012

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook's women's volleyball team has been picked to finish second in the America East, according to the preseason coaches poll released Tuesday. The Seawolves return eight letterwinners from last year's squad that advanced to the America East title game.

The Seawolves earned a first-place vote and 29 points, just six behind defending conference champion Albany. UMBC was picked to finish third and New Hampshire fourth.

Binghamton and Hartford tied for fifth and Providence was selected seventh.

The top four teams advance to the 2012 America East Championships, which are held at the site of the top seed. The winners earns the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

Among the Seawolves eight returnees is junior Evann Slaughter and sophomore Laura Hathaway. Slaughter earned second team all-conference honors last season and Hathaway was named to the 2011 America East All-Rookie squad.

Stony Brook kicks its season off this weekend at the Black Knight Invitational, opening against Indiana on Friday at 1 p.m.