ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Nazareth's women's volleyball team is picked to finish third in the Empire 8 Conference standings for 2008, according to a poll conducted by the league's nine head coaches.

Nazareth finished 28-12 overall in 2007 and won two matches in the NCAA Tournament before losing to E8 champion Stevens in the finals of the New York Regional. Stevens was chosen to repeat as conference champion with 64 points. RIT was picked to finish second with 54, followed closely by Nazareth with 52. Ithaca was fourth with 44 points.

Guided by sixth-year coach Cal Wickens, Nazareth returns five of its six starters from last year's team, including first-team all-conference selections Laura Persico at outside hitter and Kate Zwickl at setter. Both were honorable mention All-American selections. Nazareth opens its season Aug. 29-30 at the Red Dragon Invitational at Cortland.

2008 Empire 8 Pre-Season Poll
1. Stevens.................................64 points
2. RIT..........................................54
3. Nazareth................................52
4. Ithaca.....................................44
5. St. John Fisher.....................33
6. Hartwick.................................31
7. Elmira.....................................21
8. Utica........................................15
9. Alfred........................................9