LORETTO, Pa. (Aug. 19, 2008) – The Saint Francis women’s volleyball team has been picked to finish sixth in the Northeast Conference in a poll voted on by the league’s head coaches.  In the poll, which was released Tuesday, Central Connecticut State received four first place votes and was chosen to finish in first place overall.  Defending champion Long Island was ranked second, receiving three first place votes.  Robert Morris (third) was the only other school to receive first place votes.  

Finishing .500 or better in the conference for six consecutive years, the Red Flash and first‑year head coach Chuck Mullen will strive to keep that streak alive. Despite fielding a youthful squad in 2007, the Red Flash reached the NEC semifinals and finished fourth in the league in blocks (2.02 bpg).

The team will turn to senior outside hitter Kristin Buter (Bowie, Md./Bowie) to provide the on‑court experience after ending her junior campaign leading the team in three categories; including kills (3.19 kpg, eighth in NEC), service aces (.51 sapg, second in NEC) and points (3.93 ppg, eighth in NEC).

Sophomore setter Alexa Ebert (Titusville, Pa./Titusville) ranked fifth in the league with 8.49 assists per game as a freshman. Holding up the defensive end will be senior middle hitter Kayla Greenwalt (Colorado Springs, Colo./Widefield).  Greenwalt was the team's best blocker and ended 2007 third in the conference in blocks (1.03 bpg).

The Red Flash open their season against Marist at the Duquesne Tournament on Aug. 29.  Their first home game is Sept. 10 against Coppin State.