Aug. 1, 2005

The 10 MAAC volleyball coaches have chosen Siena to finish ninth in the conference this season, that according to the MAAC Preseason Poll released today by the league office. Fairfield University was chosen to win the league.

The Saints finished the 2004 season with a 9-17 overall record and a 2-7 mark in the MAAC. Five of six starters return this season, including junior Christie Gustafson who led the team in kills last year. Head coach Garvey Pierre welcomes in seven first year players this fall.

"I'm excited about the season, and think we have the type of team that could surprise a lot of people," Pierre said. "I expect this to be a year filled with great improvement."

Fairfield, runner-up to last season's championship title, returns five starters to a team that earned a share of the MAAC regular season title and finished 22-12 overall; 8-1 in conference play last season.

The Stags received a total of 95 points, including five first place votes. Iona finished the poll in second place with 87 points; three first place votes and Niagara finished the poll in third place with 65 points. Canisius followed in fourth place with 56 points, followed by Rider (51 points), Marist (48 points), Loyola (47 points), Manhattan (43 points), Siena (33 points) and Saint Peter's (25 points).

Preseason All-MAAC Team
Miki Hogg (Preseason Player of the Year), Iona
Maggie Pfeifer, Manhattan
Lindsay Lee, Fairfield
Jazmin Pa'akaula, Fairfield
Gulhan Cakcak, Saint Peter's
Michelle Lesouder, Niagara
Lauren Lackovich, Canisius
Jess Stackhouse, Canisius

Preseason Poll
1. Fairfield (5) 95
2. Iona (3) 87
3. Niagara 65
4. Canisius (1) 56
5. Rider 51
6. Marist 48
7. Loyola 47
8. Manhattan 43
9. Siena (1) 33
10. Saint Peter's 25