ANNVILLE, Pa. - On Thursday, the Commonwealth Conference released the 2009 Volleyball Preseason Poll. The Lions who finished their '08 season with a 5-28 record were seated sixth alongside Arcadia University.

Both Albright and Arcadia recorded 24 points, while Lebanon Valley claimed first place with a 55 points and five of the eight first place votes. In second were the Blue Jays of Elizabethtown with 49 points and one first place vote. The final first place vote went to Widener University who also recorded 47 points on this seasons preseason poll.

Closing out the top four were the Falcons of Messiah College with 41 points. In fifth was Lycoming College with 31 points, followed by the Lady Lions and the Lady Knights in a tie for sixth. Placed eighth on the preseason poll were conference newcomers Alvernia University, who tallied 17 points.

The Lady Lions will look to take another step forward in 2009 after a tough '08 campaign. Under the leadership of third year Head Coach Jen Constantino, the red and white have high hopes for this new season. With a solid group of veterans and more than capable newcomers, the Lady Lions are ready to make their stand in a very tough conference.

Amongst the team's top returners are seniors Cassie Campbell and Christina Yatron. The duo combined for 375 kills respectively last season. Campbell was also one of the team's top blockers in '08 producing 31 stops on the year. Yatron led Albright last season in kills per game with 1.72 and finished second on the team with 224 points.

The Lady Lions will make their 2009 home debut on September 9th when they host Susquehanna University at 7 p.m. in the Bollman Center. However, the red and white will have their hands full in their season opener as they are set to face Penn State Berks on September 2nd at 7 p.m.

For more information about this year's preseason poll go to www.mascac.org.

2009 Commonwealth Conference Volleyball Preseason Poll

1.  Lebanon Valley     55 pts. (5)
2.  Elizabethtown       49 pts. (1)
3.  Widener                 47 pts. (1)
4.  Messiah                 41 pts.
5.  Lycoming               31 pts.
T6 Albright                   24 pts.
T6 Arcadia                   24 pts.
8.  Alvernia                   17 pts.

( ) Denotes First Place Votes