Morristown, N.J. - The 2016 College of Saint Elizabeth's women's volleyball team has high expectations for the upcoming season, beginning on September 1 at Rutgers-Newark.

The Eagles are coming off a 14-13 (5-7 NEAC) season in which they finished with the second most conference wins in school history. Second year head coach Mandy Rodrigues is expecting even greater results out of the Eagles this season. "With nine returners and six newcomers, Coach Hung and I feel this can be a strong season for us. We are excited to continue the rebuilding of the program that began last season."

Last season, CSE hosted Rutgers-Newark in their opening match, dropping the contest 3-0. The Eagles are looking to avenge that lose this season when they travel to Newark, N.J, in their season opener on September 1. Two days later, the Eagles host its first tri-match of the season with Pratt Institute and Old Westbury.

The Eagles first NEAC weekend takes place on September 17 and 18 at Bryn Athyn. After another NEAC crossover the following weekend, the Eagles host a crossover for the third straight season. CSE closes out conference play with their final conference crossover on October 15 and 16.

Senior Day will take place on October 20 against William Paterson. The Eagles will close out the season on October 29 with a tri-match at King's College of Pa.

CSE will be returning several key starters from last season, including Nicole Morera, Kiana Cunningham, Christy Marte and Mikaela Gongora. Morera finished last season with a school record of 719 assists, good enough for sixth in the NEAC.

The Eagles will also be adding six freshmen to the team for the upcoming season. Despite their inexperience at the college level, Coach Rodrigues is excited about their future. "For the newcomers, it is always a learning curve when starting to practice at a college pace, but I am very pleased with the response of our returners to be leaders for them and help build their confidence."

The Eagles were picked eight in the NEAC preason poll, which was announced on Wednesday. CSE is coming off a tied for eight place in the conference last season. The five wins were second most conference wins in school history.

Coach Rodrigues says the team is ready to begin the season and is looking forward to making a run at the playoffs. "The team is working hard and coming together over this last week of preseason, and we can't be more excited to see the hard work displayed on opening day."