PROVIDENCE, R.I.—The Keene State College volleyball team has been predicted as the preseason favorite to capture the Little East Conference championship this season after a vote by the conference’s eight head coaches. The Owls earned four first-place votes and two second-place selections for 42 total points. Each head coach cast a vote, but could not select their team.

Keene State College Head Coach Bob Weiner has steadily watched the Owls program rise through the Little East Conference ranks. Last fall, Weiner and his young charges posted a breakout campaign—establishing a program-high 25 victories and their first postseason bid since 1982. Keene State reached the semifinal round in both the Little East Conference Tournament and the ECAC New England Tournament. The Owls registered a decisive 3-0 victory over Rivier in their first postseason appearance in 25 years to advance to the semifinals. Keene State returns a pair of Little East All-Conference selections to the fold, including first-team right side hitter Kelly Yankowski (Turners Fall, Mass.).

Eastern Connecticut State University has been the dominant squad in the Little East Conference the past three seasons, registering two conference championships in three appearances. A year ago, the Warriors reached the 30-win barrier and posted a 7-0 mark in the conference circuit for just the second time in the program’s history. Head Coach Jolie Ward guided her squad to their sixth straight conference tournament victory and second consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament. 2006 Little East All-Conference, first-team selection Priscilla Dougherty (Island Park, N.Y.) will set up Eastern Connecticut’s traditionally high-powered attack.

The Little East Conference continues its tradition of featuring highly-competitive teams as Plymouth State University, Rhode Island College, and Western Connecticut State University all share the No. 3 position with 32 total points. The Anchorwomen and Colonials each received a first-place nod.

The University of Mass. Boston (25), the University of Mass. Dartmouth (17), and the University of Southern Maine (7) close out the coaches’ rankings.

The Little East Conference swings into its 10th season on Aug. 30, when six conference members take to the court. The top six schools in the final regular season standings qualify for the Little East Conference Tournament, beginning on Oct. 30. The Little East Conference champion will be crowned on Nov. 3 and earn the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.