ATTLEBORO, Mass. - Newbury College has been tabbed as the preseason favorite to capture the 2010 New England Collegiate Conference men's volleyball title, it was announced today by Commissioner Del Malloy.

Voting for the preseason poll was conducted among the NECC's head men's volleyball coaches. Five of the nine NECC members sponsor men's volleyball.

The Newbury Nighthawks (24-13, 7-1) received all five first-place votes in the 2010 NECC preseason poll. The Nighthawks are led by second year head coach Jamie Terenzi.

Newbury returns five starting players including junior setter Matthew Talamantes (Sylmar, Cal.), senior middle hitter Mark Thomas (Wilbraham, Mass.), senior outside hitter Josh Aberly (Palatine, Ill.), junior outside hitter James Beck (Havre de Grace, Md.) and junior libero Michael Biuso (South Setauket, N.Y.).

Last season, Thomas and Talamantes were named First Team NECC, while Thomas was also named Second Team All NECVA and First Team NECVA New England and Talamantes was named Second Team NECVA New England. Aberly and Beck were named Second Team NECC and Biuso was Honorable Mention NECC.   

The 2009 NECC Inaugural Champions, Elms College claimed the second spot with 38 points. Daniel Webster College was third with 29 points, while Lesley University placed fourth with 14 points. Southern Vermont College rounded out the poll at fifth place with 9 points.
 
2010 NECC PRESEASON MEN'S VOLLEYBALL POLL

TEAM, POINTS (1st Place Votes)
1-Newbury, 50 (5)
2-Elms, 38
3-Daniel Webster, 29
4-Lesley, 14
5-Southern Vermont, 9