NORFOLK, VA - The Monmouth University bowling team was picked to finish fifth in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Preseason Poll, the league announced Thursday afternoon.
 
"We will not put too much stock in the preseason rankings, but I believe we have the ability to exceed the expectations for our team," Director of Bowling Karen Grygiel said. "We are looking forward to getting our season started and compete against the best teams in the MEAC."
 
Defending MEAC Champion Maryland Eastern Shore was picked to finish first, ahead of North Carolina A&T State, UAB, and Delaware State in that order. The Hawks earned 160 total points in the poll.
 
Monmouth opens its regular season on Oct. 25 in Rockaway, NJ at the Caldwell Cougar Classic. The Hawks will host an exhibition match at Oct. 13 against Fairleigh Dickinson at Ciniello Family Bowling Center at 4 p.m.
 
Predicted Order of Finish (First-place votes)
1. Maryland Eastern Shore (17) 228
2. North Carolina A&T State (2) 216
3. UAB 185
4. Delaware State (2) 179
5. Monmouth 160
t-6. Florida A&M (1) 111
t-6. Howard 111
8. Morgan State 81
9. Coppin State 75
10. Norfolk State 65
11. Bethune-Cookman 41
 
Preseason All-MEAC Team
Alexis Neuer, Delaware State
Cayla Hicks, Maryland Eastern Shore
Brigitte Jacobs, Maryland Eastern Shore
Ana Olaya, North Carolina A&T State
Ericka Quesada, North Carolina A&T State