The defending MAAC Champion Niagara volleyball team has been voted as the preseason favorite to defend its crown by the league’s coaches announced on Tuesday. Two Purple Eagles were named to the Preseason All-MAAC Team.

The Purple Eagles, who claimed their first-ever MAAC Championship last season, finished atop of the poll with 93 points. Niagara returns all 10 letterwinners from last season’s team which set a school record with 23 wins.

Fairfield placed second with 92 points and was followed by Marist (68), Siena (66), Iona (58), Loyola (57), Canisius (44), Saint Peter’s (29), Manhattan (28) and Rider (15).

Junior setter Michelle James was tabbed Preseason Co-Player of the Year with Loyola’s Nina Camaioni. James was named to the 2009 All-MAAC First Team and is the reigning MAAC Setter of the Year. She led the conference in assists per set last season and enters this season with a realistic chance of becoming Niagara all-time assists leader. Junior outside hitter Hannah Hedrick joins James on the Preseason All-MAAC Team. Hedrick was named 2009 MAAC Defensive Player of the Year and the Most Outstanding Player in the 2009 MAAC Tournament.

Niagara opens the 2010 season against Hartford on Friday at 4 p.m. as part of the LaSalle Tournament.