NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The Goldey-Beacom College volleyball team, which finished 9-22 (4-16 CACC) in 2009, was picked to finish sixth in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference South Division, according to the 2010 pre-season coaches poll.

After two consecutive nine-win seasons, the Lightning earned 32 points in a vote of the league's 14 head coaches.

Georgian Court, which has claimed the last four consecutive CACC volleyball championships, was picked as the favorite in the South Division with 97 points and 13 first-place nods. Caldwell topped the north division, also with 97 points and 13 first-place votes.

In the South Division, Philadelphia was picked No. 2 with 76 points and one first-place vote. The Rams finished last season 32-6 (17-2 CACC) and were the runner-up in 2009.

Holy Family (63), Wilmington (61) and USP (45) rounded out the top-five, respectively, followed by GBC and Chestnut Hill (18).

In the North Division, Dominican College was picked second with 74 points and one first-place vote. Bloomfield (67), Post (55) and Nyack (47) rounded out that division's top-five, followed by Felician (27) and Concordia (25).

Head coach Rich Bowers, who enters his seventh career season and third consecutive season at GBC, has added three talented recruits in Stephanie Kline, Rebecca Stoffer and Tyla Wells.

The team also returns seven of the 12 players on the 2009 roster, including junior Roni Shaner (team-high 179 kills in 2009) and sophomore Monica Dempsey (161 kills, team-highs of 404 assists and 40 service aces).

Senior defensive specialist A.J. Hicks figures to play a vital role in the team's success as well. She has 679 digs in her career to date.

The Lightning will play two scrimmages against Cecil College. The first is at Cecil on Aug. 28 at 11 a.m. and the second is at home on Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. Then they will open the 2010 season at Bowie State on Sept. 2 at 6 p.m.

CACC Volleyball 2010 Preseason Coaches' Poll

NORTH DIVISION

SOUTH DIVISION