HENNIKER, N.H. - The New England College women's basketball team was picked ninth in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) preseason poll conducted by the league's 13 head coaches. 

Saint Joseph's College of Maine was picked to finish first in the poll while receiving six first-place votes and 160 total points. Emmanuel was voted second with 146 points and five first-place votes, while the defending champion Blue Jays of the University of Saint Joseph earned the final two first-place votes and 144 points. 

Albertus Magnus was picked fourth with 134 points, followed by Rivier, Regis, Lasell, and Norwich to round out the top eight. NEC was voted ninth with 66 total points. Colby-Sawyer and Elms tied for 11th with 61 points, followed by Dean and Mitchell to round out the poll. 

The Pilgrims begin their season on Saturday, November 8th, as they host Lesley University for a 7:00 PM non-conference matchup. After a 12-game non-conference slate, NEC begins GNAC action on Saturday, January 10th as they visit Lasell University.  

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