Simmons Volleyball earned the number eight ranking in Great Northeast Athletic Conference preseason voting, the conference office announced on Wednesday. The Sharks achieved a seventh seed in the 2008 GNAC Tournament, after posting a 13-11 overall record and 6-6 GNAC record.

This marks the first time since the expansion to 13 teams in the GNAC that Simmons Volleyball has been ranked in the preseason poll.

Rivier was selected as the preseason favorite to win the 2009 Great Northeast Athletic Conference volleyball title this season in a vote by the conference's head coaches, with seven first-place votes, tallying 90 overall points. Rivier compiled an 11-1 conference record in 2008.  

Johnson and Wales was second behind Rivier with 86 points and three first-place votes, followed by Emerson, Emmanuel and Norwich to round out the top five.  Lasell was sixth, while Mount Ida and Simmons filled the final two spots.

2009 Volleyball Preseason Poll Total  

Rank      Team (1st place votes)

1.     Rivier (7) 90 points  

2.     Johnson and Wales (3) 86

3.     Emerson (2) 69

4.     Emmanuel (1) 64

5.     Norwich 42

6.     Lasell 41

7.     Mount Ida 39

8.     Simmons  21

Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own teams.