BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State University volleyball team has been picked to finish in fourth place in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) standings as the 2022 MASCAC Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll was released today by conference director of media relations, Emily Loux.

The Bears received 30 points in the poll with one first place vote. Framingham State University is the preseason favorite to capture the conference title as the defending MASCAC Tournament champion Rams recorded 44 votes including three first place votes. Westfield State University is second in the poll with 42 points as well as three first place votes, while defending MASCAC regular season champion Worcester State University checks in at third place with 40 points including a first place vote.

Under the guidance of head coach Tony daSilveira (4th Year), the Bridgewater State volleyball team will return to the court on Tuesday, September 6th when the Bears entertain University of New England at six o'clock from the Tinsley Center. Bridgewater will open conference play on Tuesday, September 13th (6:00 PM) at home against Fitchburg State University. 

Returning veterans Victoria Caiano (Jr., L, Acushnet, Mass.), Alicia Delaney (Sr., DS, Brockton, Mass.), Savannah Quintal (Sr., S, Assonet, Mass.), Abigail Reardon (Jr., OH, Fairhaven, Mass.), Alexandra VanderPol (So., OH, Marion, Mass.), Bethany Votta (Jr., S, Cumberland, R.I.) and Becca Whalen (Sr., RS, Plymouth, Mass.) will help lead the Bears in 2022.

The Bears finished in fifth place in the 2021 MASCAC standings with a 3-4 conference mark (6-11 overall).